A recent nationwide study has revealed surprising results about the best states for five-star waterfront Airbnb rentals — and Florida has edged out Hawaii in the rankings. The research, conducted by QR Code Generator, analyzed Airbnb data across coastal states to identify where travelers are most likely to find top-rated beachfront accommodations.
Despite its iconic beaches and warm weather, Florida ranked sixth nationally, with 84 five-star rated beachfront Airbnb properties. A weeklong stay in one of these highly-rated rentals during the week of June 14–21 costs an average of $2,731. Hawaii, a destination often synonymous with luxury beach vacations, came in 16th, with only 37 five-star properties and a comparable weekly rate of $2,738.
Pacific Northwest Tops the Charts
Oregon took the top spot with 203 five-star beachfront Airbnbs — the highest in the nation. The average cost of a weeklong stay in Oregon is $5,489. North Carolina followed closely behind with 197 top-rated rentals, averaging $5,504 for a week’s stay. Washington ranked third, with 152 properties and an average weekly rate of $4,389.
These results challenge conventional expectations.
“Oregon’s position at the top shows that states not traditionally associated with beach tourism can still offer exceptional waterfront rental experiences,” Marc Porcar, CEO at QR Code Generator said. “The Pacific Northwest exceeds expectations when it comes to five-star beach rentals, which speaks to the unique coastal experiences these states offer, from rocky shores and tide pools to stunning sunsets over the Pacific.”
East Coast Stronghold
East Coast states also performed well in the study. New York came in fourth, offering 149 five-star beachfront rentals with an average weekly cost of $5,653. Virginia rounded out the top five, with 96 five-star listings and an average stay priced at $4,463.
In total, six East Coast states placed in the top ten: North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maine (64 listings, $4,152), New Jersey (59 listings, $7,466), and Massachusetts (56 listings, $6,533). Notably, New Jersey’s beachfront accommodations had the highest average weekly rate among the top ten.
Notable Rankings and Costs
Texas ranked seventh with 83 top-rated properties, averaging $4,273 per week.
California, despite its extensive 840-mile coastline, landed further down the list with 47 five-star listings, averaging $6,196 per week.
Rhode Island, though picturesque, had just 8 five-star rentals — the second-lowest — but posted the highest weekly rate in the country at $11,699.
Louisiana had the fewest five-star beachfront Airbnbs, with only five listings and an average weekly cost of $1,221.
Airbnb’s Broader Economic Impact
The findings mirror broader patterns in Airbnb’s internal data, which reported that U.S. travel on the platform generated $85 billion in economic activity in 2023. According to Airbnb, guests spend an average of $210 per day during their trips, with around 40% of that spending happening near their accommodations.
This economic activity is especially significant in coastal communities, where high-end beachfront rentals not only cater to traveler preferences but also support local businesses and services.
“For travelers seeking highly-rated beachfront stays, this data provides valuable insights into which states consistently deliver quality coastal accommodations,” Porcar said. “The high number of five-star properties in states like Oregon and North Carolina suggests guests frequently have exceptional experiences in these locations.”
As summer approaches and travelers plan their beach getaways, the study offers a data-backed guide to finding high-quality, well-reviewed waterfront stays across the United States — from unexpected gems in the Pacific Northwest to traditional favorites like Florida.
Source: https://qrfy.com
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