Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Estimate cap rate, cash flow, and cash-on-cash return before you buy a short-term rental.
Buying a property to run as a short-term rental is a business decision wearing a real-estate costume. Before you fall in love with a listing, run the numbers: what the property costs to own, what it can realistically earn, and what return your actual cash invested produces.
This calculator gives you the three numbers investors compare — cap rate, annual cash flow, and cash-on-cash return — from inputs you can estimate in five minutes.
The three numbers explained
Cap rate = net operating income (revenue minus operating costs, before the mortgage) ÷ purchase price. It measures the property’s earning power independent of financing. Cash flow = what’s left each year after the mortgage payment. Cash-on-cash return = annual cash flow ÷ total cash you put in (down payment plus closing and furnishing costs) — the return on the money that actually left your bank account.
Where to get realistic revenue inputs
Don’t guess ADR and occupancy — anchor them. Browse comparable listings in the target neighborhood with similar bedroom counts, check their calendars and rates across seasons, and haircut what you see: established listings with review history outperform new ones for the first year. A conservative model uses the comparable ADR minus 10% and occupancy between 50% and 60%.
Costs first-time buyers forget
Furnishing a whole home runs $10k–$40k+. STR insurance costs more than landlord insurance. Many markets require permits with annual fees, and some levy occupancy taxes the platforms don’t collect for you. Budget for utilities you’ll now pay (guests don’t economize), faster wear on furniture and linens, and a cleaning cost buffer for short stays.
Frequently asked
What is a good cash-on-cash return for a short-term rental?
Many STR investors target 8–15% cash-on-cash. Below long-term-rental returns (~4–8%), the extra operational work of an STR may not be worth it; well-chosen properties in strong markets can exceed 15%.
Is this investment advice?
No. It’s arithmetic on the numbers you enter, for education only. Verify local regulations, taxes, insurance, and market data before purchasing, and consult qualified professionals.
Does the calculator include appreciation or tax benefits?
No — it models operating returns only. Appreciation, depreciation deductions, and cost segregation can materially improve total returns but are speculative or situation-specific.
How do I track performance after I buy?
HostMoat gives owners a per-property P&L: synced bookings, revenue by source, expenses by Schedule E category, and occupancy — so you can compare actual returns to this model. The Starter plan is free.
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