If you’re a property owner in Windsor, Ontario, contemplating whether to jump into the short-term rental game on Airbnb or stick with traditional long-term rentals, you’ve probably pondered one key question:
“Is Airbnb actually profitable in Windsor?”
It’s the million-dollar question that shapes investment decisions. And rightly so! If Airbnb offers greater returns without the headaches of long-term tenancy issues, why wouldn’t you opt for the short-term rental route?
With this curiosity (and perhaps yours) in mind, I put on my investigator hat and dove into some serious number crunching using PriceLabs, a powerful price automation tool for Airbnb hosts. This tool provides granular data on rental income potential based on location, property type, and competition.
In this blog post, I’m going to reveal the average monthly revenue for 2-bedroom Airbnb listings in Windsor’s 20 neighbourhoods. Spoiler alert: the results are eye-opening!
Welcome to Windsor: A Snapshot
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s paint a quick picture of Windsor:
- Windsor is Canada’s southernmost city, located on the south bank of the Detroit River.
- It’s directly across from Detroit, Michigan, making it a unique hub of Canadian-U.S. connectivity.
- With a population of 229,660 (as of the 2021 census), Windsor is a thriving city with diverse neighbourhoods.
Airbnb data for Windsor’s 2-bedroom listings reveals that there are 407 active listings. However, three neighbourhoods—Ojibway, Windsor International Airport, and OldCastle—had no activity in the past year.
PriceLabs ensures their estimates are reliable, factoring in listings that have been active for at least 75% of days in the past month while excluding heavily owner-blocked calendars. Overall, for 2-bedroom properties in Windsor, the average monthly revenue sits at approximately $2,143, with an average daily rate of $107 and an occupancy rate of around 63%. These trends provide a benchmark for hosts to evaluate their property’s performance.
In the following section, we’ll dive into the individual stats for each neighbourhood to see where Windsor’s Airbnb market truly shines.
Windsor’s Airbnb Revenue Rankings: Who’s Leading the Charge?
Let’s break it down. Here’s a clear look at the top-performing and least-performing neighbourhoods based on average monthly revenue:
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Earning Neighbourhoods:
- Malden – $3,441/month 💰
Malden leads the pack with strong short-term rental returns. If you own property here, you’re sitting on a goldmine! - South Walkerville – $3,087/month
With its charming homes and great location, South Walkerville attracts a steady flow of guests. - Remington Park – $3,024/month
Another powerhouse neighbourhood for Airbnb hosts, bringing in just over $3,000 monthly. - Pillette – $2,638/month
Pillette delivers solid earnings with a combination of affordability and accessibility. - Ford City – $2,374/month
A rising star in Windsor, Ford City offers excellent opportunities for Airbnb profitability.
📉 Lowest-Earning Neighbourhoods:
On the flip side, not every area yields sky-high returns. These neighbourhoods sit at the bottom of the revenue chart:
- South Windsor – $983/month
While charming and family-friendly, South Windsor has the lowest revenue potential. - University – $1,305/month
Surprisingly, even with student activity, Airbnb earnings remain relatively low in this area. - Roseland – $1,408/month
Though picturesque, Roseland’s short-term rental revenue falls short compared to Windsor’s leaders.
Mid-Tier Performers: Opportunities to Watch
The rest of Windsor’s neighbourhoods fall in the mid-range, with monthly revenues between $1,500 and $2,300:
- East Riverside – $2,236
- Sandwich – $2,199
- Downtown – $2,170 (downtown areas often offer potential for growth!)
- Walkerville – $2,084
- Fontainebleau – $2,079
Neighbourhoods like Forest Glade ($1,968) and Devonshire Heights ($1,648) show promising potential for investors willing to spruce up their listings.
Key Takeaways: Should You Airbnb in Windsor?
The data doesn’t lie. For Windsor property owners, short-term rentals can be highly lucrative. However, please don’t forget some other factors that might influence your decision to choose short-term rentals beyond profitability.
If you’ve been a landlord for more than five years, chances are you’ve dealt with a tenant who refused to pay rent or overstayed their lease. And if you’re one of the lucky ones who haven’t been burned yet, feel free to check out another one of our blog posts titled “My Property Investment Nightmare: From Tenant Drama to Airbnb Nirvana”.
Airbnb, however, rarely comes with such issues. Unlike long-term tenants who are protected by the LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board), Airbnb guests typically stay for less than 30 days, meaning they don’t enjoy the same protections. Even for stays over 30 days, Airbnb renews agreements monthly, ensuring guests pay upfront. While there are stories of problematic guests who overstay (and yes, police may need to get involved), in my three years of hosting, I’ve yet to encounter this issue or hear about it happening locally.
Of course, your profitability doesn’t solely depend on revenue. You also need to consider costs and whether you’re managing the property yourself or hiring a professional.
Property managers or Airbnb cohosts typically charge between 15–20% of your monthly revenue. Additionally, as a short-term rental host, you’re responsible for utility and internet bills, as well as restocking essentials like toilet paper, dish soap, and cleaning supplies. If you’re looking for a hands-off, hassle-free income stream, expect to pocket around 70–80% of the monthly revenue.
So while those big revenue numbers are exciting, it’s always smart to factor in the costs to get a realistic sense of your true earnings.
Ready to dive into the world of Airbnb hosting? Windsor has something for everyone—from high-revenue hotspots to hidden opportunities. The data is your key to success. If you have any questions about your property’s earning potential, let’s chat! Your journey toward Airbnb profitability starts here. 🚀
In the next article, I will dive into the numbers for the 3-bedroom properties. More to come and stay tuned.