STR market comparison

Destin vs Nashville

Two markets, one purchase decision. Compare the ranges, the booking calendar and what must be checked for an actual address.

Decision in brief

Nashville has the lower starting purchase range ($550,000 - $1,100,000 versus $600,000 - $1,400,000). The ranges overlap, so price alone will not settle the choice. Destin has the higher midpoint of the estimated annual net range ($27,000 versus $20,000). That is a screening observation, not a property return or a forecast.

Published market ranges are screening estimates assembled from closings and active comparables. They are not returns promised for a specific property. Read how the estimates were assembled and the underlying Destin market guide and Nashville market guide; refresh comparables, costs and permit status before an offer.

At a glance

Side-by-side market ranges

Short-term rental estimates for Destin and Nashville
MetricDestinNashville
Purchase price$600,000 - $1,400,000$550,000 - $1,100,000
Average daily rate$290 - $540$225 - $400
Occupancy56% - 65%60% - 70%
Annual gross revenue$78,000 - $175,000$62,000 - $125,000
Annual net cash flow$14,000 - $40,000$10,000 - $30,000
Demand patternMarch through August, with spring break and summer carrying most of the yearSpring through fall, with bachelorette and event weekends carrying rate
The real tradeoff

What changes the decision

Acquisition budget and cash flow

Nashville has the lower starting purchase range ($550,000 - $1,100,000 versus $600,000 - $1,400,000). The ranges overlap, so price alone will not settle the choice. Destin has the higher midpoint of the estimated annual net range ($27,000 versus $20,000). That is a screening observation, not a property return or a forecast. Compare actual down payment, closing costs, furnishing, reserves, insurance and debt service before treating either range as an investment result.

Guest demand and calendar

Destin is driven by Gulf beach vacations: March through August, with spring break and summer carrying most of the year. Nashville is driven by event and city travel: Spring through fall, with bachelorette and event weekends carrying rate. Build a monthly model for each; equal annual gross estimates can conceal different low-season cash needs.

Property-level checks

  • Destin: Underwrite beach access, parking, storm exposure and the spring-to-summer revenue concentration at the address level.
  • Nashville: Confirm the permit category and location-specific eligibility; headline event weekends cannot stand in for a full year.

For either market, confirm permit eligibility, HOA or building rules, comparable listing quality and a written cost estimate for the property under consideration. Market averages cannot substitute for those checks.

Need help choosing a market?

Bring a real budget and purchase brief. We can discuss which markets fit and which assumptions need checking.

Ready to run your numbers? Free strategy call · No obligation
Book a Call