Is Cambridge, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cambridge, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Cambridge City Planning Department, as Guernsey County and Cambridge may require short-term rental permits or business licenses, typically costing $50-150 annually. Contact the Cambridge Building Department at 740-439-3414 to verify if your property requires inspections or special permits for commercial use. Find a suitable property in residential areas like downtown Cambridge or near attractions like the National Road/Zane Grey Museum, ensuring it meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Cambridge City Hall, potential fire department inspection, and register for Ohio state tax collection. Purchase comprehensive insurance covering short-term rentals, as standard homeowner's policies may not cover commercial activities. Furnish the property with quality basics including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen essentials, and local guidebooks featuring Cambridge attractions like Dickens Victorian Village. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting unique features and proximity to Interstate 70 and local businesses. Set competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the Cambridge market, typically ranging $60-120 per night depending on size and amenities. Establish management systems for cleaning, key exchange, guest communication, and maintenance, or hire local property management services. Ensure compliance with Ohio's 5.75% sales tax and any local lodging taxes, maintaining detailed records for tax purposes and regularly reviewing Cambridge's evolving short-term rental regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cambridge, Ohio, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown attractions, near Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, or close to Salt Fork State Park (20 minutes away) which draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1950 with updated kitchens, reliable WiFi capability, parking spaces, and unique character features like historic charm or modern amenities that photograph well for listings. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within 10 miles, noting that properties typically rent for $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during summer months and local events. Competition research should include monitoring occupancy rates of existing STRs on AirDNA, checking for market saturation in specific neighborhoods, and identifying gaps in amenities or property types currently available. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for investment analysis, Rentometer for local rental comparisons, the Guernsey County Auditor's website for property values and taxes, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, while also monitoring the Cambridge Main Street program for downtown revitalization efforts that could impact future demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cambridge, Ohio, contact the Cambridge Building Department at City Hall located at 1131 Steubenville Avenue or call (740) 439-3531 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and pay the required application fee of approximately $150-200 plus annual renewal fees of $100-125. The city requires properties to meet all building and fire safety codes, pass a safety inspection conducted by the fire department, maintain adequate parking spaces, and comply with occupancy limits based on square footage. Submit your application to the Building Department along with all required documentation and fees, schedule the mandatory safety inspection within 30 days, and await approval which typically takes 45-60 days from submission. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st, while maintaining compliance with noise ordinances and guest registration requirements throughout the permit period.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cambridge, Ohio, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or short-term accommodations. However, STR operators must comply with existing zoning regulations, business licensing requirements, and health department standards that apply to all rental properties in the city. Properties used as STRs typically need to be located in areas zoned for residential or mixed-use purposes, and operators may need to obtain business licenses and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. While Cambridge hasn't implemented the restrictive STR ordinances seen in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland, property owners should verify current zoning compliance and may face standard rental property regulations including regular inspections and adherence to housing codes. The city's approach appears to be managing STRs through existing regulatory frameworks rather than creating specific short-term rental legislation, though this could change as STR activity increases in the area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cambridge, Ohio include the Historic Downtown District near Wheeling Avenue and 8th Street, which attracts visitors to the National Museum of Cambridge Glass, Hopalong Cassidy Museum, and various antique shops and restaurants. The area around Southgate Parkway offers good access to both I-70 and I-77, making it attractive for business travelers and those visiting nearby attractions like The Wilds safari park (20 minutes away) and Salt Fork State Park (15 minutes away). The residential neighborhoods near Cambridge City Park and the Cambridge Country Club on Clark Street provide a quieter setting while remaining close to downtown attractions. The area around the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center benefits from event-driven demand throughout the year, while properties near the Cambridge Glass Museum and Dickens Victorian Village (active during holiday seasons) can capitalize on seasonal tourism spikes from visitors exploring Ohio's pottery and glass heritage trail.

Airbnb properties in Cambridge, Ohio are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, Guernsey County's lodging tax of 3%, and Cambridge city's transient occupancy tax of 3%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 11.75% on short-term rental bookings. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Ohio around 2019, and the platform remits payments quarterly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities including the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control for state taxes and directly to Guernsey County and Cambridge city offices for local taxes. Property owners must register with each taxing jurisdiction, obtain the necessary permits and tax identification numbers, and may need to file periodic returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes, with remittance typically due within 30 days of the end of each reporting period. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals to government employees on official business, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with each taxing authority as regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Cambridge, Ohio, expect total costs around $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $65,000-$75,000 based on median home prices in this small Guernsey County city. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits if required by the city, and registration costs. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection runs $1,200-$1,800 annually or $600-$900 for six months. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $400-$600 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$200 monthly), cleaning supplies, maintenance, platform fees to Airbnb, and marketing total approximately $2,500-$4,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, potential HOA fees, and emergency repair funds which could add another $1,000-$2,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Cambridge, Ohio show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally fall between 25-35% for well-managed properties, translating to $4,500-9,800 annual profit per unit. Success factors in this smaller Ohio market include proximity to Muskingum University, competitive pricing against local hotels like Hampton Inn, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.7+ star ratings. Properties within walking distance of downtown Cambridge or near Salt Fork State Park command premium rates, with some hosts like those operating renovated Victorian homes reporting 15-20% higher revenues than suburban listings. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing interest in rural tourism, though seasonal fluctuations affect winter bookings by 30-40% compared to summer peak periods.

Based on Cambridge, Ohio market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near downtown Cambridge or close to Salt Fork State Park tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The average daily rate for Airbnb properties in Cambridge ranges from $85-$120, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, driven by tourism to nearby attractions like the National Road and Zane Grey Museum, as well as business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities including Mosser Glass and Cambridge Glass companies. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to major metropolitan areas, with median property acquisition costs around $80,000-$150,000, allowing for faster break-even periods and higher overall returns on invested capital.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Cambridge, Ohio. Local real estate agents in Cambridge who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Realty agents and Century 21 professionals who understand the Guernsey County vacation rental market. National services like AirDNA provide market data and analytics for Cambridge's short-term rental performance, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools for the area. RedAwning and Awning.com assist with property management and optimization for Cambridge Airbnb properties. Local property management companies such as Ohio Valley Property Management can help investors manage their short-term rentals in the Cambridge market. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Cambridge real estate professionals experienced in vacation rental investments, and Roofstock has occasionally featured turnkey rental properties in smaller Ohio markets like Cambridge. Local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment property financing in Guernsey County can facilitate purchases for out-of-state investors looking to capitalize on Cambridge's proximity to Salt Fork State Park and other regional attractions.