Short-Term vs Long-Term Rental
Compare nightly-rate income against a traditional lease — with seasonality modeling per market.
Short-Term Rental (Airbnb / VRBO)
Long-Term Rental (12-month lease)
Financing (shared)
STR wins for your parameters — by $1,134/year
| Metric | STR | LTR |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Annual Income | $46,264 | $28,800 |
| Vacancy / Platform Fees | -$6,940 | -$2,304 |
| Annual Expenses | -$22,494 | -$10,800 |
| Annual Mortgage | -$23,951 | -$23,951 |
| Net Annual Cash Flow | -$7,121 ↑ | -$8,255 |
| Cash-on-Cash Return | -6.6% ↑ | -7.6% |
| Management Complexity | High | Low |
Monthly income comparison
STR — what to weigh
- ✓ Higher gross income potential in vacation markets
- ✓ Personal use flexibility
- ✗ Higher management overhead and turnover
- ✗ Seasonal volatility and regulation risk
LTR — what to weigh
- ✓ Predictable monthly income
- ✓ Lower management overhead
- ✗ Lower gross yield in vacation markets
- ✗ Tenant turnover risk every 12 months
We manage STR properties in OBX and Florida.
Want fully passive short-term rental income? We handle the operations.
This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell real estate investments or securities. Results are estimates based on inputs provided and assumed market conditions and are not a guarantee of future performance. Real estate investing involves material risks including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions, interest rate risk, the risk of new supply, financing risks, adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Potential cash flows, returns, and appreciation are not guaranteed and could be lower than anticipated. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding your individual circumstances and the suitability of any investment for your situation. Investments through 98 Doors may only be available to accredited investors as defined under applicable securities regulations (generally: net worth exceeding $1,000,000 exclusive of primary residence, or annual income exceeding $200,000 individually or $300,000 jointly with a spouse in each of the two most recent years with a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year). If you are unsure whether you qualify, please consult with your CPA and attorney before proceeding.