Full-service short-term rental management. 12.5% + $99/month software fee, no contracts, no setup fees.
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US and home to SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and hundreds of annual events that drive premium nightly rates. The tech industry influx has created a large base of high-income travelers, while the University of Texas keeps demand strong year-round.
HostStarter manages properties across all major neighborhoods in Austin.
Estimated monthly revenue ranges for well-managed properties in Austin. Actual results vary based on location, amenities, and management quality.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Avg Daily Rate | Est. Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1BR | 1 | $123 | $2,200–$3,200 |
| 2BR Apartment / Condo | 2 | $165 | $3,000–$3,800 |
| 2BR House | 2 | $181 | $3,300–$4,600 |
| 3BR House | 3 | $214 | $3,900–$5,700 |
| 4BR+ / Luxury | 4+ | $264 | $4,800–$7,600 |
* Estimates based on average occupancy rates and current market data. Book a free discovery call for a personalized revenue projection.
Our in-depth 2026 market guide covers occupancy trends, best neighborhoods, competitive landscape, and everything you need to know before investing in Austin.
Read the Austin Market Guide →As of July 1, 2026, Austin requires every short-term rental to display a valid city STR license number directly on its Airbnb and VRBO listing. Booking platforms must remove unlicensed listings within 10 days of a city request and can no longer process bookings for unlicensed properties — operating without a license now risks delisting and fines of up to $500 per day. Austin still requires a Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) STR license for investment properties, and applications can take 6–10 weeks to process. HostStarter manages the entire licensing process — application, license-number display, annual renewals, and required inspections — so your Austin listings stay compliant and live. Read our full Austin license guide →
Before you list, make sure you understand Austin's permit requirements, fees, taxes, and the penalties for operating without a license. We put together the most complete 2026 STR licensing guide available for this market.
Read the Complete Austin STR Licensing Guide →Austin's STR management market includes several boutique and professional companies. Here's how HostStarter compares to the most active local operators.
| Company | Fee | Contract | Full-Service | Pricing Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HostStarter ✓ | 12.5% flat | Month-to-month | ✓ Yes | ✓ Published publicly |
| GuestSpaces | ~20–25% est. | Not disclosed | ✓ Yes | ✗ Must call for pricing |
| Grand Welcome Austin | ~20–25% est. | Not disclosed | ✓ Yes | ✗ Must call for pricing |
| Surge | 15% | Flexible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Published |
* Competitor fees estimated from market research and third-party sources. Always verify directly with each company.
Full GuestSpaces vs. HostStarter Comparison →We built an honest side-by-side of the Airbnb and short term rental management companies operating in Austin - fees, contracts, what each one actually covers, and where we win and lose.
Read the Austin Airbnb management comparison →Book a free 30-minute discovery call or fill out the form — we'll get back to you within 24 hours with a free revenue projection for your property.
30 minutes. No pressure. Get a free revenue projection for your property.
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