10 Best Places to Buy Short-Term Rentals in Mesa (2026)

According to Chalet Data, Mesa’s short-term rental landscape is defined by sharp contrasts in yield, price, and seasonal demand. The city’s top zip codes stretch from affordable, high-yielding pockets in the southwest to more expensive, premium-rate enclaves in the northeast. Gross yields run from 6.6% up to 10.6%, with entry prices starting under $370K. Mesa’s market has seen occupancy improve by 6% year-over-year, even as home values dipped 3.2% and supply tightened by 18%.

That squeeze has pushed active-operator annual revenue to $32,730, just shy of the $33,486 citywide median. The best opportunities now cluster in areas where spring and winter peaks align with affordable home values, allowing for payback periods under 10 years, well ahead of the U.S. average.

The Best Mesa Zip Codes for Airbnb, Ranked by Yield

Data as of July 11, 2026. Annual revenue for each zip code is calculated from its own ADR times occupancy times 365, using trailing 12-month data, and is gross before expenses. The table reports the median listing’s revenue, alongside median ADR and median occupancy, which are computed independently.

Multiplying ADR by occupancy will not reproduce the revenue figure. Gross yield divides median revenue by median home value (Zillow ZHVI). See methodology for details. The active-operator revenue benchmark filters to listings with sustained booking activity, which is the more realistic underwriting base for buyers.

1. 85206: Spring Peaks and the Fastest Payback in Mesa

Yield leads the story in 85206, where a 10.6% gross return puts this southeast Mesa zip code at the top of the city’s rankings. The area’s median home value is $387,992, down just 1.7% year-over-year, making it one of the most accessible entry points for investors seeking scale. Annual revenue for the median listing is $41,179, with active operators earning $39,599, enough to bring the payback period under 10 years, a rare feat in the region.

Seasonality is pronounced. Occupancy peaks at 79% in March, then drops to just 35% in June. Winter brings in 32% of annual revenue, and spring adds another 25%. This rhythm aligns with snowbird arrivals and spring training demand.

The most common property is a two-bedroom, which brings in $19,143 per year at a $153 ADR, suiting both families and small groups. Notably, occupancy has surged 48% year-over-year, while ADR climbed 28% and listings shrank 17%, signaling a tightening market. For a full breakdown of revenue by bedroom count and more, see the 85206 analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors seeking a sub-$400K entry, strong spring and winter peaks, and rapid payback.

2. 85210: High Occupancy and Family-Size Homes

Sharp seasonal peaks shape the Mesa 85210 market, with March occupancy soaring to 83% at an ADR of $216, then dipping to just 48% in July. Spring alone accounts for 31% of annual revenue, while winter brings another 28%, highlighting how timing and weather drive booking patterns for larger groups seeking affordable stays.

These dynamics help explain why the area’s 54% median occupancy rate stands well above the US median of 45%, and why revenue momentum has accelerated. Occupancy jumped 46% year-over-year, and ADR climbed 34%, even as listings contracted by 21% and competition tightened.

For underwriters, the typical property here is a four-bedroom home, with 20 such listings each averaging $47,740 in annual revenue at a robust $310 ADR. The payback period of about 9.9 years is competitive for a market in the 65th percentile for gross yield nationally, especially given the recent supply squeeze that has pushed up both occupancy and pricing.

The area’s family-sized homes and strong seasonal demand patterns make it a compelling choice for investors seeking resilient cash flow and above-average performance relative to much of the US. The 85210 analytics dashboard details these shifts and the bedroom mix.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers targeting high occupancy, family-sized properties, and a diversified seasonal calendar.

3. 85202: Steady Bookings Near Dobson Ranch

Market performance in 85202 is shaped by consistent demand, with a median occupancy of 58% that outpaces the US median of 45%. February stands out as the strongest month, reaching a 67% occupancy and an ADR of $235, while September’s occupancy dips to 45%. This steady seasonality is reinforced by winter and spring combining for 57% of annual revenue, offering owners a reliable income stream and minimizing long off-peak stretches.

Price trends show a median home value of $398,929, down 5.1% year-over-year, supporting an 8.9% gross yield that sits right at the 50th percentile nationally. The 11.3-year payback period reflects both the area’s moderate pricing and solid active-operator annual revenue of $35,196. The bedroom mix tells a story for underwriting.

While one-bedrooms are most common, three-bedrooms far outperform in annual revenue ($30,401) and ADR ($250), making them attractive for scaling returns. A 14% drop in supply and a 47% surge in ADR over the past year point to tightening competition and robust pricing power, helping explain the market’s resilience and steady investor appeal. The 85202 analytics page offers more on seasonality and property mix.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors seeking steady, year-round bookings in a family-friendly area with diverse property types.

4. 85205: Winter-Heavy Revenue in Alta Mesa

Winter travelers drive performance in 85205, where December occupancy peaks at 63% and 36% of annual revenue is concentrated in the season. Owners see a pronounced off-season, with occupancy dropping to just 23% in August, underscoring the market’s reliance on snowbird arrivals and seasonal migration patterns. The area’s $174 average daily rate trails the US median of $232, but occupancy rates are stronger than the national median, helping to lift annual revenue despite softer summer demand.

Active-operator revenue nearly matches headline figures at $34,380, and with 60 full-time listings, competition remains moderate as listings fell 22% year-over-year. This supply squeeze, combined with a 19% jump in occupancy and a striking 63% increase in ADR, signals tightening conditions that favor existing hosts.

The payback period of 11.8 years sits close to the US median, making underwriting straightforward for buyers targeting mid-priced homes. The prevalence of three-bedroom properties, earning $28,793 annually at a $196 ADR, reflects strong demand from families and groups seeking winter escapes. For a closer look at seasonal and property-level performance, visit the 85205 analytics dashboard.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers focused on winter demand and mid-range properties in established neighborhoods.

5. 85201: Central Location, Softening Demand

Market dynamics in 85201 are shifting, as occupancy rates have fallen 27% year-over-year in June while average daily rates surged 57%, reflecting a pivot toward premium pricing strategies amid reduced demand. Despite this, spring remains the strongest season, contributing 30% of annual revenue, with March occupancy peaking at 78% and ADR at $174. These pronounced seasonal highs contrast sharply with the June trough, when occupancy drops to 37%, signaling the need for careful revenue management across the year.

Against the US field, 85201’s 8.4% gross yield sits at the 43rd percentile, trailing the national median of 9.0%, though occupancy outperforms the US median by 10 points. The active-operator revenue of $29,505 and a payback period of 12.3 years suggest moderate returns that require close attention to operator efficiency and cost control.

The prevalence of 1-bedroom listings (42 units) offers affordability, but the highest earnings are found in 3-bedrooms, which pull in $29,099 per year at a $254 ADR. These patterns reflect a market where location and property configuration play a key role in offsetting recent softness in demand. For more on how this affects underwriting, see the 85201 analytics page.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors looking for a central location and willing to navigate shifting demand trends.

6. 85209: High ADRs and Summer Strength

Pricing power shapes 85209, where the $216 ADR sits above both city and US medians, though the market’s 7.5% gross yield places it in the 34th percentile nationally. Occupancy averages 50%, outpacing the US median of 45%, but the payback period stretches to 13.7 years, reflecting the area’s relatively high home values and a revenue profile that is steady but not spectacular.

The three-bedroom segment is especially notable, with 35 active listings earning a median $31,613 per year at a $211 ADR, providing a clear underwriting benchmark for investors focused on mainstream family travelers.

Spring brings the strongest performance, with March occupancy peaking at 67% and ADR reaching $239, while September marks the low point at just 24% occupancy. Revenue distribution is unusually balanced. Spring, summer, and winter each contribute about a quarter of annual earnings, supporting stable cash flow across the year.

Recent momentum signals a shift as occupancy has dropped 14% year-over-year, even as ADR has surged 61% and listings have declined 13%. This dynamic points to operators prioritizing nightly rate over volume, likely in response to tightening supply and a competitive push for higher-value bookings. The 85209 analytics dashboard details these trends and the property mix.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking premium nightly rates and a more even seasonal revenue curve.

7. 85207: Premium Pricing in Northeast Mesa

Price-conscious investors will notice that 85207’s median home value sits well above the US median, at $553,870, and this premium positioning shapes both the area’s yield and payback time. The gross yield of 7.1% places 85207 in the 31st percentile nationally, trailing the US median of 9.0%, which is largely a result of elevated acquisition costs rather than weak performance.

Despite the longer payback of about 14.2 years, active operators are seeing solid annual revenue of $38,886, and the market’s ADR of $194, while below the US median, supports steady income potential for well-managed properties.

Seasonality is pronounced, with February emerging as the high point. Occupancy peaks at 65% and ADR jumps to $284, while September occupancy falls to 36%, creating a clear off-season. Recent momentum has been strong, with occupancy up 20% and ADR up 36% year-over-year, even as listings dropped by 21%.

This tightening supply is pushing pricing power higher, particularly for larger homes, four-bedrooms lead the pack at $43,185 annually on a $395 ADR, far outpacing the more common one-bedrooms. The 85207 analytics page covers the full breakdown by property type and season.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors comfortable with higher entry prices and aiming for larger, high-earning properties.

8. 85215: High ADR, Low Occupancy Mix

Premium nightly rates set 85215 apart, with a $239 ADR that outpaces both the US median of $232 and most Mesa submarkets, though occupancy lags at 44%, just below the national median. March brings the best returns, as occupancy climbs to 69% and ADR reaches $290, while January marks the slowest period at just 35% occupancy.

This pronounced seasonality, with spring and winter each supplying roughly a quarter of annual revenue, reflects the area’s appeal to travelers seeking upscale accommodations during peak travel months but leaves properties quieter in the off-season.

Investors will note that the median gross yield of 7.1% places 85215 at the 30th percentile among 501 US markets, signaling below-average cash flow relative to the national field. The 14.3-year payback period underscores the challenge of recouping the median $507,836 home price, especially as occupancy has slipped 5% year-over-year.

Still, ADR has surged 51% even as listings dropped 24%, suggesting that reduced supply is helping to sustain high nightly rates. The dominance of two-bedroom listings (22 active, $180 ADR) offers a lower entry point, but three-bedrooms command the highest earnings, making bedroom mix a key underwriting consideration. The 85215 analytics dashboard details these dynamics for underwriting.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking high nightly rates and willing to accept lower occupancy for premium pricing.

9. 85208: Budget-Friendly with High Occupancy

Market accessibility is a key draw in 85208, where the median home value sits at $379,965, well below many Mesa zip codes and down 4.2% year-over-year. Despite the lower entry cost, occupancy rates are robust at 58%, matching the highest in the city and outpacing the US median of 45%.

Investors will note that gross yield here is 7.1%, placing the area in the 30th percentile nationally, and annual revenue for active operators is a steady $26,604. The payback period stands at about 14.3 years, reflecting the balance between affordable property prices and modest but reliable income streams.

Seasonality patterns show clear opportunities for maximizing returns. February’s occupancy peaks at 75% with an ADR of $235, while September drops to 44%, highlighting the importance of winter and spring, which together contribute 55% of annual revenue.

Recent data also shows positive momentum, with occupancy up 3% and ADR surging 38% year-over-year, even as listings declined by 15%. These trends suggest tightening supply and growing pricing power for existing hosts, making 85208 appealing for investors seeking stable bookings without the premium price tag. The 85208 analytics page provides more detail on property types and seasonality.

Who this market is ideal for: Investors prioritizing affordability and strong, steady bookings over high nightly rates.

10. 85204: Accessible Entry, Strong Spring Peaks

Spring’s surge sets 85204 apart, as March sees occupancy soar to 79% and ADR reach $216, delivering peak returns for hosts. The market’s winter season is nearly as strong, contributing 34% of annual revenue, while spring adds another 27%. By contrast, August occupancy drops to just 26%, reflecting the sharp seasonality that shapes local performance and underscores the importance of strategic pricing and calendar management for operators.

Recent data shows a supply squeeze driving momentum. Occupancy jumped 30% year-over-year, ADR climbed 56%, and listings fell 19%. Despite a median home value of $395,614 (down 3.4% YoY) and a gross yield of 6.6%, placing the market in the 23rd percentile nationally, occupancy outpaces the US median by seven points.

The longer payback period of 15.3 years reflects both the accessible entry price and the market’s moderate revenue potential, making 85204 appealing to buyers prioritizing affordability and steady winter-spring demand. The 85204 analytics dashboard gives a full seasonal and property breakdown.

Who this market is ideal for: Buyers seeking a lower-cost entry point with strong spring and winter demand.

How to read these rankings before you buy

Gross yield offers a quick way to compare short-term rental markets, but it only captures the relationship between median revenue and home value. It does not account for operating expenses, taxes, or financing costs, which can vary widely by property and operator.

The headline annual revenue includes all listings, but the active-operator benchmark filters to those with consistent, sustained bookings, this is the more realistic basis for underwriting your investment. Seasonality, property type, and local regulations can shift results substantially at the property level, so it’s critical to verify assumptions for any specific home before making a purchase.

How to Act on This

Buying in Mesa’s short-term rental market means weighing both yield and volatility. Areas with strong spring and winter peaks may require careful cash flow planning for slower summer months. Consider the property type that matches local demand, family-sized homes and smaller units each have their own booking patterns. Entry price and payback period vary sharply by zip code, so align your purchase with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Regulation is a key consideration. Mesa requires a City of Mesa short-term rental license and compliance with Chapter 15 of the municipal code, including maintaining a valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. The city’s rules are subject to change, so verify the latest requirements before closing.

Lodging income is subject to state and local taxes, and you must file returns even if you have no bookings in a given period. For tailored guidance and up-to-date listings, connect with a Mesa short-term rental agent who knows the local landscape.