South Padre Island, TX Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live South Padre Island market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Competitive ADR — $198/night market rate
- Accessible entry point — median home $385K
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
South Padre Island is a beach market with 52% average occupancy and $198 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with South Padre Island's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
South Padre Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview
South Padre Island is one of the nation's premier beach destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually seeking sun, surf, and waterfront accommodations. Demand peaks sharply in summer but the mild climate extends the shoulder season well into spring and fall, giving STR operators a longer revenue window than inland markets.
The average STR in South Padre Island generates approximately $37,600 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $198 and a 52% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position South Padre Island as an accessible entry-point STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in South Padre Island grew by 14% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 3,100 active STR units. This moderate growth rate suggests a market finding equilibrium between supply and demand, which typically supports stable occupancy and ADR. Investors should track supply trends quarterly using tools like AirDNA or Rabbu before committing capital.
Key considerations for South Padre Island investors: regulatory risk is rated low — South Padre Island currently has minimal STR regulation, making it an investor-friendly market from a compliance perspective. Monitor local policy, as regulations can change. Property management costs, cleaning turnover for short stays, and platform fee optimization are the primary levers operators use to improve net margin in this market.
Market Metrics
South Padre Island Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $99 | 52% | $19K | 2.3–3.1% |
| 1BR | $139 | 52% | $27K | 3.3–4.4% |
| 2BR | $208 | 52% | $41K | 5.0–6.8% |
| 3BR | $301 | 52% | $61K | 7.4–10.0% |
| 4BR+ | $436 | 52% | $90K | 11.0–14.8% |
South Padre Island STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs July, June, and August. Expect up to 58% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for January and November as your slowest period — approximately 32% below the annual average.
Is South Padre Island a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose South Padre Island
- ✓Solid revenue potential: market average of $37,600 per year with upside for well-managed properties
- ✓Premium pricing power: South Padre Island's destination appeal supports $198/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 14% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !Moderate seasonality: revenue varies materially by month — budget conservatively for shoulder and off-peak periods
- !Below-average occupancy: 52% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
South Padre Island STR Regulatory Overview
LowSouth Padre Island allows STRs with simple licensing. The resort/beach town economy is tourism-dependent and the regulatory environment is investor-friendly.
Key Requirements
- ·City license required
- ·Texas hotel occupancy tax + local
- ·Safety inspection
- ·Basic compliance rules
Source: City of South Padre Island · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare South Padre Island to Similar Markets
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| Metric | South Padre Island | Austin | San Antonio | Fredericksburg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $198 | $201 | $163 | $287 |
| Occupancy | 52% | 57% | 55% | 62% |
| Avg Revenue | $38K | $42K | $33K | $65K |
| Median Home Value | $385K | $545K | $295K | $545K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | High | Low | Low |
South Padre Island Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is South Padre Island a good market for short-term rentals?+
South Padre Island, TX is an accessible US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $198 and 52% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $37,600 per year. Market performance varies significantly by property type, location within the city, and management quality — this calculator helps you model your specific scenario.
What is the average Airbnb income in South Padre Island?+
The average STR listing in South Padre Island generates approximately $37,600 in gross annual revenue at a $198 average daily rate and 52% occupancy. Top-performing listings with premium amenities, strong reviews, and professional management can earn 30–50% above the market average. After platform fees (3–5%), cleaning costs, and other expenses, net revenue typically ranges 60–75% of gross.
What occupancy rate can I expect for an Airbnb in South Padre Island?+
The market-average occupancy in South Padre Island is approximately 52%. New listings typically underperform the market average for the first 3–6 months while accumulating reviews. Properties with professional photography, competitive pricing, and consistently high ratings can reach 64–70% occupancy. This market is moderately seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in South Padre Island?+
Regulatory risk in South Padre Island is rated Low. South Padre Island currently has minimal STR regulation, making it investor-friendly from a compliance standpoint. Always verify current requirements — local policies can change. Regulations change frequently; always confirm current rules with local authorities.
What type of property performs best as an Airbnb in South Padre Island?+
In South Padre Island, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 3-bedroom beach houses and condos with ocean views. Guests in South Padre Island prioritize proximity to key attractions, unique character, and outdoor space. The premium segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in South Padre Island?+
South Padre Island sees peak STR demand during June through August. During peak season, top properties can command rates 58% above their annual average. The off-peak period sees materially lower rates and occupancy — conservative underwriting should assume 40–50% of peak revenue during the slowest months.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in South Padre Island?+
The median home value in South Padre Island is approximately $385,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $89K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $37,600/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 9.8%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does South Padre Island compare to other STR markets?+
South Padre Island offers accessible entry points relative to premium coastal markets. The $198 ADR is near the national STR average of roughly $185. For comparison, markets like Aspen and Malibu exceed $450 ADR but require significantly higher acquisition costs. South Padre Island offers a lower barrier to entry with reliable occupancy fundamentals.
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