Furnished Finder and AirDNA Report Highlights Surge in U.S. Monthly Rental Market Growth

A Paradigm Shift in Housing: The Monthly Rental Market's Remarkable Growth

The monthly rental market in the United States is undergoing a transformation like never before. Over the past five years, this sector has witnessed an unprecedented expansion, outpacing the growth rate of short-term rental properties significantly. As highlighted in a recent collaborative report by Furnished Finder and AirDNA, the surge in monthly rentals is not merely a passing trend but a substantial shift in the American housing landscape.

Expanding Beyond a Niche

Initially considered a niche market, monthly rentals have now become an essential part of the rental and lodging ecosystem across the U.S. Fueled by various factors, including the pandemic's impact on living arrangements, economic realignments, and changing regulatory landscapes, monthly rentals are increasingly appealing to both renters and investors. According to the report, demand for long-term rentals has doubled compared to short-term stays, showcasing their growing importance.

Data-Driven Insights

The report draws from comprehensive data analysis, merging insights from 28-day-plus bookings on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder itself. The findings illustrate that bookings for stays exceeding 28 days have surged from 20 million nights in 2019 to a staggering 46 million in 2025—a remarkable 136% increase. Meanwhile, the inventory of monthly rentals on Furnished Finder has expanded dramatically, from around 20,000 listings before the pandemic to over 300,000 today. In contrast, the short-term rental market experienced a growth of only 52% during the same period.

This data confirms that monthly rentals are rapidly becoming a crucial driver of rental demand, currently accounting for approximately 19% of the overall rental market. Such growth reflects broader societal shifts, including increasing housing shortages and workers' growing desire for flexible living arrangements that suit their mobility needs.

Structural Changes Influencing Growth

A combination of macro trends is reinforcing the increasing popularity of monthly rentals. These include tighter regulations on short-term rentals, ongoing housing scarcity, and a realignment of economic conditions post-pandemic. The allure of fully furnished, flexible housing options appeals not only to job relocators but also to professionals like contract workers and traveling healthcare personnel seeking affordable short-term living solutions.

A notable observation from the report indicates that for property owners, adopting a monthly rental model can serve as a proactive stability strategy rather than merely a fallback option. Approximately 65% of landlords on Furnished Finder report that they exclusively operate on a monthly rental basis. Furthermore, short-term rental property owners are now increasingly balancing their portfolios with monthly rentals to optimize their income throughout the year. This strategy helps reduce tenant turnover costs and vacancy risks, often resulting in comparable or even superior financial returns.

Monthly Rentals: A National Phenomenon

This upward trend is not confined to major metropolitan areas; while cities like Los Angeles and New York are significant markets for monthly rentals, the demand is burgeoning in over 20 other cities, each boasting more than 500,000 monthly stay nights annually. Notably, growth is strongest in employment hubs and healthcare networks rather than traditional tourism-based destinations, revealing a pressing need for affordable housing in underserved markets.

The report highlights that smaller rental units, typically priced at $2,500 per month or less, are garnering substantial interest. In fact, 55% of renters prioritize budget-friendly options, with 85% of views on Furnished Finder directed at properties with two bedrooms or less. This focus on affordability and functional amenities such as home office spaces, full kitchens, and pet-friendly provisions emphasizes changing renter priorities in a post-pandemic world.

Opportunities for Investors

For potential investors and hybrid operators, the burgeoning monthly rental market presents abundant opportunities. Properties of nearly any type, including single-family homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), can participate in this segment. As Furnished Finder solidifies its role in the housing economy, the insights from this report function as a roadmap for navigating this dynamic market characterized by flexibility, affordability, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder, voiced the importance of this shift, stating, "This report confirms what we've been seeing on the ground—monthly rentals are not a temporary trend, but a structural shift in housing—reshaping how Americans live, work, and move."

Jamie Lane, SVP of Analytics at AirDNA, echoed this sentiment, noting the report's insights into how mobility and affordability are changing the rental economy.

For those looking to explore the full report or to gain further insights, more information can be found on Furnished Finder's website and AirDNA’s platform. As the rental market continues to evolve, staying informed will be vital for both tenants and investors alike.