Salt Lake City Airbnb Income: How Much You Can Really Earn in 2025

TL;DR: Airbnb hosts in Salt Lake City can earn anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500+ per month depending on location, amenities, guest focus, and seasonality. TruStay uses real data and market projections to help homeowners understand potential earnings and make smarter investment decisions.

Salt Lake City is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative destinations for short-term rental (STR) owners in the Mountain West—and not just because of its proximity to world-class ski resorts. With a growing population, a vibrant downtown, outdoor adventure appeal, and high occupancy rates year-round, Salt Lake City is a powerful market for Airbnb income.

But how much can you really expect to make?

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to maximize income from a basement apartment or an investor purchasing a second property, this guide breaks down what you need to know about Salt Lake City Airbnb income, including projections, seasonal factors, and how TruStay helps owners get the most from their properties.

Salt Lake City Airbnb Income at a Glance

Salt Lake City hosts enjoy healthy demand across multiple seasons, with strong performance during summer travel months, winter ski season, and a notable fall spike thanks to events like University of Utah football games and conferences.

A well-located property with the right setup can bring in between $2,500 and $7,500+ per month depending on:

• Property size and number of guests

• Location within the Salt Lake metro area

• Nearby amenities and attractions

• Guest focus (skiers, conference-goers, families, etc.)

• Time of year

• Listing quality and marketing

  
  

TruStay has worked with clients across Salt Lake County and Utah County and has found that success depends on combining strong data with intentional positioning. That’s where our projections come in.

The Power of Accurate Forecasting

Most Airbnb hosts rely on general averages or seasonal guesses, but that leaves a lot of money on the table. TruStay uses real data, proprietary tools, and historical trends to build accurate projections that reflect:

• Local occupancy and nightly rates by zip code

• Demand curves by guest type and booking window

• Property-specific advantages (views, hot tub, walkability, etc.)

  
  

These projections give owners a realistic picture of their income potential, not just what they hope to make. That means no surprises—and more confident investment decisions.

We can even evaluate homes you're considering buying, and let you know what your expected STR performance would be based on market history, location, and amenities. Some homes make incredible income. Others underperform—and we help you know the difference before you buy.

What Impacts Airbnb Income in Salt Lake City?

1. Neighborhood and Proximity

Salt Lake City isn’t one-size-fits-all. Homes near downtown, Sugar House, and the Avenues tend to perform very well due to walkability, event access, and proximity to the University of Utah.

Other high-performing areas include Millcreek and Holladay for families, and properties closer to ski resorts like Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon for winter travelers.

TruStay’s projections take these micro-markets into account so you’re not using generic averages to price your unique property.

2. Seasonality

Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

• Winter (Dec–March): High demand from ski traffic, especially if your property is near resorts or has mountain charm

• Spring (April–May): Slower months as winter travel tapers off

• Summer (June–August): Excellent for adventure travelers, national park visitors, and family vacations

• Fall (Sept–Nov): Boost from football season, business conferences, and events

Salt Lake City is one of the few markets with multiple strong seasons—and that means more consistent income year-round when managed well.

3. Property Type and Guest Focus

Different homes attract different guests. TruStay helps owners identify who their most likely guests are—and how to appeal to them. For example:

• Near a conference center? Expect business travelers or event attendees.

• Large and great for families? You’ll want to emphasize group features and safety.

• Close to ski resorts? Highlight storage for gear, driveway snow removal, and hot tubs.

We also help determine if your home is better suited to short-term, mid-term, or long-term rental—and build a plan around the most profitable path.

4. Amenities and Design

Top-earning Airbnbs in Salt Lake City often include:

• Central air or heating (especially important in homes where this isn’t a given)

• Dedicated workspaces

• Hot tubs or spas

• Fire pits and private outdoor space

• Parking (especially downtown!)

• Smart locks and clear check-in instructions

• Multiple true beds (not air mattresses or pullouts)

Listing these amenities clearly is key. Many guests plan trips around specific features—and want to know they can rely on your listing to deliver exactly what they expect.

What About Basement Apartments and In-Law Suites?

Salt Lake has a strong culture of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), including basement apartments. These can be excellent STR opportunities for homeowners looking to boost income without purchasing a second property.

In areas like Liberty Wells and Sugar House, you might earn anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000/month, depending on finish level, size, and guest access.

TruStay helps optimize these smaller listings for maximum impact—while handling the day-to-day so it doesn’t feel like a second job.

TruStay Projections: How We Help

If you’re wondering how much your Salt Lake City home can earn on Airbnb, don’t guess. TruStay provides a free, personalized earnings projection that includes:

• Estimated nightly rates by season

• Expected occupancy levels

• Potential income for high, average, and low performance cases

• Recommendations to increase returns

• Data-backed comparison to similar listings nearby

We also do this before you buy, using real data to help you determine if a specific property is likely to perform well—or if it’s best to walk away.

And If Your Property Underperforms?

We know STRs are an investment. That’s why TruStay’s pricing model adjusts based on how your home actually performs.

If your home doesn’t meet expectations, we lower our fee. And even with high performance, we stay below the market average—while still delivering full-service management for our clients.

That’s peace of mind and profitability, all in one.

Final Thoughts: Your Salt Lake City Airbnb Income Starts With the Right Partner

Whether you already own a home or are thinking of buying one, Salt Lake City Airbnb income is within reach. With the right strategy, the right data, and the right team, you can earn significantly more while doing significantly less.

Get your free TruStay income projection today—and see how we help property owners turn second homes into serious income.