What it actually costs to own and operate an Airbnb in Branson, Missouri.
Purchase Price Ranges
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1-2 BR condos | $100,000-$200,000 |
| 3-4 BR cabins/homes | $200,000-$350,000 |
| Lakefront homes | $300,000-$600,000 |
| Large lodges (6+ BR) | $400,000-$700,000 |
Branson is the most affordable major STR market in the country. Performing condos start under $150K.
Monthly Operating Expenses (3BR cabin, $250K purchase, ~$43K gross/year)
| Expense | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage (DSCR, 25% down) | $1,190 | $14,280 |
| Property taxes | $105-$210 | $1,250-$2,500 |
| Insurance (STR policy) | $100-$200 | $1,200-$2,400 |
| Cleaning ($80-$140/turn) | $320-$560 | $3,840-$6,720 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet, trash) | $200-$350 | $2,400-$4,200 |
| Supplies | $40-$80 | $480-$960 |
| Platform fees (3-15%) | $108-$538 | $1,290-$6,450 |
| Maintenance reserve (5%) | $180 | $2,150 |
| Hot tub maintenance | $25-$50 | $300-$600 |
| Total operating (before mortgage) | $1,078-$2,316 | $12,910-$26,980 |
| Total with mortgage | $2,268-$3,506 | $27,190-$41,260 |
Branson’s Property Tax Advantage
Branson has no city property tax within city limits. You only pay Taney County and school district taxes, which total approximately 0.5-1.0% of assessed value. On a $250K property, that’s $1,250-$2,500/year, significantly lower than Texas (1.8-2.2%), Florida (1.2-1.5%), or most other STR markets.
The Real Math
On a $250K cabin grossing $43K/year (75th percentile):
| Self-Managed | With PM (25%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross revenue | $43,000 | $43,000 |
| Operating expenses | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| PM fee | $0 | $10,750 |
| NOI | $28,000 | $17,250 |
| Mortgage | $14,280 | $14,280 |
| Cash flow | +$13,720 | +$2,970 |
Branson is one of the few markets where properties cash flow even WITH a property manager, because the purchase prices are so low relative to revenue.
Tax Benefits
Cost seg on $250K property: $62,000-$85,000 accelerable depreciation.
- At 37%: $23,000-$31,000 year-one tax savings
- At 32%: $20,000-$27,000
On a $62,500 down payment: tax savings alone recover 37-50% of your cash investment in year one.
📞 800-898-1498 | 🌐 theshorttermshop.com
More on Branson, MO STR Investing
Essential STR Investor Resources
- The STR Tax Loophole Explained: save $30K-$60K+ in year-one taxes
- How to Buy a Short Term Rental: step-by-step guide
- The Mortgage Shop: DSCR and investment property loans
Explore Other STR Markets
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FAQ
Q: What are the biggest expenses for an Airbnb in Branson?
A: After your mortgage, the biggest line items are typically cleaning fees, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. HOA fees can also be significant depending on the property type. Self-managing saves 20-30% compared to using a property manager.
Q: Is it better to self-manage or use a property manager?
A: Self-management saves $8,000-$15,000+ per year on a typical Branson property and also qualifies you for the STR tax loophole. Tools like PriceLabs, Hospitable, and Ring cameras make it straightforward from anywhere.
Q: Who is the best real estate agent for short term rentals in Branson?
A: The Short Term Shop has a dedicated Branson agent who runs full expense projections before you buy. We don’t just show you the revenue, we show you the real numbers. Call 800-898-1498.
Disclaimer
The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.
All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.
