Hosting a short-term rental can be a great way to make extra income, but it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of city vs. country locations for your business strategy. Each comes with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of city vs. country short-term rental rentals to help you decide which one is best for you.

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City-Based Short-Term Rentals

City-based short-term rentals offer the unique opportunity to rent out your property in a densely populated location. Cities typically have higher population densities, meaning there are always travelers looking for accommodation options. Below is a list of the pros and cons associated with city-based short-term rentals:

Pros of city-based short-term rentals

1. Easier to find guests

Cities tend to attract more people who are interested in renting, making it easier to find tenants quickly.

2. Higher rental prices

In cities, rent tends to be higher than in the country, which means you can often charge a premium for city-based short-term rentals. In addition, guests expect a higher price to be closer to city attractions and public transportation.

3. More amenities

Cities offer a lot more options for dining, entertainment, and other activities that can make your rental property more attractive to potential renters. In addition, local attractions are great things to promote both in your listing and house manual.

4. Attract business travelers​

Cities often attract business travelers who may be willing to pay a premium for short-term rentals. You’re more likely going to host corporate workers in New York City or Chicago than in rural Arkansas.

5. More city-specific attractions

In cities, you can often find city-specific attractions that appeal to these travelers. For example, you can highlight the location of your rental to landmarks such as “Steps away from Central Park” or “Just a 10-minute drive to The Golden Gate Bridge”.

Cons of city-based short-term rentals

1. Higher cost of living

The cost of living in cities is generally higher than in the country, which means you’ll need to account for that when pricing your short-term rental.

2. More competition

In city locations, there is more competition among rental properties, making it more challenging to stand out and attract renters. As a result, you may want to invest in luxury amenities to draw in customers.

3. Higher taxes

Real estate taxes are higher in city locations than in country locations, so you’ll need to account for that when pricing your rental.

4. Noise and other disruptions

City life can be noisy, and there could be other disruptions, such as traffic or construction, that could be a nuisance to your guests.

5. Difficult to find parking

Finding parking in city locations can be difficult, which could make it hard for your guests to access your rental.

Country-Based Short-Term Rentals

Country-based short-term rentals allow you to rent out your property in a rural or remote location. Country locations tend to be quieter and offer more scenic views that city dwellers may be looking for when they’re on vacation. Below is a list of the pros and cons associated with country-based short-term rentals:

Pros of country-based short-term rentals

1. Lower cost of living

The cost of living in rural areas is significantly lower than in city locations, which means you can charge less for rent and still make a profit.

2. More privacy

Renters looking for a peaceful getaway may prefer country-based locations since they offer more privacy and seclusion than city rentals.

3. Lower taxes

Real estate taxes are typically lower in rural areas than in city locations, helping you to keep your rental costs down.

4. More outdoor activities

Country-based rentals are often close to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, potentially attracting more guests.

5. More relaxed atmosphere

The relaxed atmosphere of a country rental can provide a more enjoyable experience for your guests.

Cons of country-based short-term rentals

1. Fewer amenities

Country locations typically offer fewer amenities than city locations, which can make them less attractive to renters.

2. More challenging to find tenants

Finding tenants in rural areas can be more complicated than in city locations, as fewer people are typically looking for short-term rentals. As a result, you may need to offer some last-minute deals to keep your booking calendar full.

3. Poor transportation options

Transportation in rural areas can often be limited, making it harder for your guests to get around and access amenities they may need if they aren’t traveling with a vehicle. However, you could offer upsells to help guests with transportation, such as airport pick-up/drop-off.

4. Longer commutes

Longer commutes to city locations can deter potential renters, as they may want to avoid driving for hours to get to their destination.

5. Difficulty in getting services

Getting services such as plumbing or repair may take longer in country locations since fewer service providers are available.

Use Host Tools to Manage Your STR, No Matter the Location

No matter where you choose to host a short-term rental, HostTools.com can help. Our platform makes it easy for you to manage your rentals, no matter the location. We offer a variety of features that allow you to create listings, manage cleaners, automate communication with guests, and a whole lot more – all from one convenient dashboard.

Most importantly, we’ll make pricing your rental easier. Our intelligent pricing system considers city vs. country locations, helping you determine the best price for your short-term rental so that you can maximize profits while ensuring your guests have a positive experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, city vs. country locations both have their own pros and cons when it comes to hosting a short-term rental. Whichever option you choose, ensure your listing is competitively priced and provides the amenities your guests are looking for. No matter where you decide to host your short-term rental, HostTools.com can provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!