Is Marietta, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marietta, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations as Marietta requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with restrictions on occupancy and parking. Contact Marietta's Planning and Zoning Department at 770-794-5710 to verify your property's zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits, which may include a Certificate of Occupancy if modifications are made. Find a suitable property in desirable neighborhoods like the Historic Marietta Square area, Whitlock Avenue corridor, or near Kennesaw Mountain, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on a cohesive design that photographs well, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a one-bedroom unit. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $80-150/night for Marietta properties), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to attractions like the Big Chicken, Marietta Square, and Atlanta (30 minutes away). Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and ensuring compliance with Georgia's 7% state sales tax plus Cobb County's 3% hotel/motel tax, while considering property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you prefer hands-off management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marietta, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Kennesaw State University, near the historic Marietta Square, or close to major employers like Lockheed Martin and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, as these areas generate consistent demand from business travelers, university visitors, and tourists. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families and groups prefer these over apartments. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds traditional rental income by at least 30-40%, typically finding sweet spots in the $200,000-$400,000 purchase range that can command $100-180 per night. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 1-mile radius, looking for gaps in amenities or underperforming properties with poor photos or management. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Georgia MLS, while partnering with Marietta-based real estate agents familiar with STR-friendly neighborhoods and HOA restrictions, and consider properties near attractions like the Marietta Museum of History, Six Flags Over Georgia (20 minutes away), and the Silver Comet Trail to maximize booking potential.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marietta, Georgia, you must first apply through the City of Marietta's Community Development Department located at 205 Lawrence Street, where you'll need to submit a Short-Term Rental Business License application along with required documents including a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing the property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and payment of applicable fees which typically range from $200-400 for the initial license plus annual renewal fees of approximately $150-250. The process generally takes 30-45 days for approval, during which the city will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with zoning requirements, fire safety codes, and parking regulations. Marietta specifically requires that STR properties maintain a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), display the business license number in all advertising, maintain a guest registry, and ensure the responsible party can respond to complaints within 30 minutes, with properties in certain residential zones potentially facing additional restrictions or requiring special use permits depending on the specific zoning classification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Marietta, Georgia, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Marietta requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to commercial and mixed-use districts, while generally prohibiting them in single-family residential neighborhoods. The city implemented these regulations around 2019-2020 following concerns about neighborhood impacts and parking issues. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and operators must provide contact information for a responsible party available 24/7. Violations can result in fines and license revocation. The city also requires STRs to comply with occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and mandates that operators collect and remit hotel/motel taxes. Recent enforcement efforts have focused on unlicensed operations, particularly in residential areas where STRs are prohibited, with the city actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify non-compliant properties.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Marietta, Georgia include the Historic Marietta Square district, which attracts tourists year-round with its antique shops, restaurants, and proximity to the Marietta Museum of History and Confederate Cemetery, plus it hosts regular events like the Marietta Farmers Market and seasonal festivals. The East Cobb area, particularly near Sprayberry High School and Wheeler High School, appeals to families visiting for school events and sports tournaments, while also attracting business travelers due to its proximity to major corporations like Lockheed Martin and Home Depot's headquarters. The Kennesaw Mountain area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, offering hiking trails and Civil War history tours. The Roswell Road corridor provides easy access to both Atlanta's business district and local attractions, making it perfect for extended-stay business travelers and tourists exploring the greater Atlanta area. Additionally, areas near Life University attract visitors for healthcare conferences and chiropractic events, while neighborhoods close to Dobbins Air Reserve Base cater to military families and contractors on temporary assignments.

In Marietta, Georgia, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Georgia state sales tax of 4%, Cobb County hotel/motel tax of 8%, and the City of Marietta hotel/motel tax of 3%, totaling approximately 15% in combined taxes on short-term rental accommodations. The Georgia Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect the 4% state sales tax, which must be remitted monthly if collections exceed $300 or quarterly if less. Cobb County's 8% hotel/motel tax is collected by the county and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month, with hosts required to register with the Cobb County Finance Department. The City of Marietta's 3% hotel/motel tax is administered separately and requires registration with the city's finance department, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of each month. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify which taxes are being collected automatically versus those requiring manual collection and remittance. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit travelers may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Marietta, Georgia is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $500-$1,000 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average nightly rates of $120-$150 in the Marietta market.

Airbnb properties in Marietta, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to attractions like Kennesaw Mountain and downtown Atlanta accessibility. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near the Marietta Square and historic district command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for owner-operated units. Success factors include strategic location within 30 minutes of Atlanta, professional photography, competitive pricing during peak seasons (spring/fall), and maintaining superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. A typical 3-bedroom property near Kennesaw State University generates approximately $3,200 monthly in gross revenue with $1,400 in expenses, yielding $1,800 monthly profit or $21,600 annually, representing a 28% net margin that outperforms traditional long-term rentals in the area by 15-20%.

Airbnb investments in Marietta, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% based on current market conditions. Properties near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the historic Marietta Square command premium nightly rates of $85-140, while standard residential properties average $65-95 per night. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months, with optimal performance seen in 3-4 bedroom homes priced between $250,000-400,000. The market benefits from consistent demand driven by Lockheed Martin employees, tourists visiting Civil War sites, and overflow from Atlanta's corporate travel market, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually and seasonal peaks during spring and fall months reaching 80-85% occupancy.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Marietta, Georgia. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams North Atlanta, RE/MAX Around Atlanta, and Coldwell Banker Realty have agents experienced in investment properties and Airbnb markets in the Marietta area. National services include BiggerPockets for networking and deal analysis, Mashvisor for market analytics and property recommendations, and AirDNA for short-term rental data analysis. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can provide insights into profitable properties while offering management services. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Fundrise focus on rental properties, while local agents at Harry Norman Realtors and Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International have experience with investment properties in Cobb County. Additional services include VRBO and Airbnb's own host resources, local property scouts, and investment-focused brokerages that understand the short-term rental regulations in Marietta and surrounding areas.