Is Meridian, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Meridian, Idaho, begin by researching local regulations as Meridian requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential areas with certain restrictions on occupancy and parking. Contact Meridian City Hall at 33 E Broadway Ave to obtain the necessary business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety and building code requirements. Find a suitable property by searching areas like downtown Meridian or near popular attractions like Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, considering properties with 2-4 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the Boise metro area. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, full kitchen amenities, high-speed internet, and local touches highlighting Idaho's outdoor recreation opportunities. Create your listing on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos showcasing mountain views or proximity to the Boise River Greenbelt, pricing competitively at an estimated $80-150 per night depending on size and location. For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests (budget $50-75 per turnover), respond promptly to inquiries, provide local recommendations for activities like hiking in the nearby foothills or visiting local wineries, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you prefer hands-off operation, though they typically charge 20-35% commission.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Meridian, Idaho, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Boise's downtown core, near major employers like Micron Technology, St. Luke's Health System, and close to recreational areas such as Eagle Island State Park or Bogus Basin Ski Area access routes. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to business travelers and families visiting the area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $150-250/night for quality properties) exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, while factoring in Idaho's relatively landlord-friendly regulations and Meridian's growing tourism market driven by outdoor recreation and business travel. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing, and use tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets market analysis, and local MLS data through Intermountain MLS to evaluate property values, rental comps, and neighborhood appreciation trends. Additionally, consider proximity to major corridors like Eagle Road, Meridian Road, and I-84 for guest convenience, and leverage relationships with local property management companies familiar with Ada County's STR landscape to identify off-market opportunities in this rapidly growing Treasure Valley suburb.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Meridian, Idaho, you must first contact the Meridian Planning Department at City Hall located at 33 East Broadway Avenue to determine if your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, as they are only permitted in certain residential zones with specific conditions. You'll need to submit an application that includes a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or written permission from the property owner, a site plan showing parking areas and property layout, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 60 miles away, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and noise policies. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an additional annual renewal fee of around $150. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes a public notice period where neighbors can provide input. Meridian requires STR operators to limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintain adequate off-street parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), display the permit number in all advertisements, collect and remit local lodging taxes, and respond to complaints within 2 hours if living out of area or designate a local contact person available 24/7.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Meridian, Idaho, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Meridian requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in residential zones with certain limitations. The city prohibits STRs in some residential areas and requires properties to meet safety standards, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Operators must also collect and remit local option taxes, maintain liability insurance, and ensure properties don't exceed occupancy limits typically set at two people per bedroom plus two additional guests. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced neighbor notification requirements, with the city implementing a complaint-driven enforcement system. Meridian has been more permissive than some neighboring jurisdictions like Boise, which has implemented stricter caps on STR permits, but the city continues to monitor the impact of STRs on housing availability and neighborhood character, with ongoing discussions about potential future restrictions in high-density residential areas.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Meridian, Idaho include the Village at Meridian district, which attracts visitors due to its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it ideal for leisure travelers and business professionals attending corporate events. The downtown Meridian area near Meridian City Hall and the historic district offers charm and walkability that appeals to tourists exploring local culture and attending community events like the Meridian Dairy Days festival. Neighborhoods near Roaring Springs Water Park see high seasonal demand during summer months from families visiting the popular attraction. The areas around Ten Mile Creek and surrounding newer residential developments attract business travelers working with major employers like Micron Technology, St. Luke's Health System, and various corporate offices that have relocated to the Treasure Valley. Properties near Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park and the Meridian Speedway benefit from event-driven bookings during racing seasons and community gatherings, while locations with easy access to Interstate 84 and close proximity to Boise Airport (about 20 minutes away) appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking convenient transportation options.

In Meridian, Idaho, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Idaho state sales tax of 6% applies to short-term rental accommodations, and Ada County imposes an additional lodging tax of approximately 5%, bringing the total tax rate to around 11% on gross rental income. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Idaho State Tax Commission and Ada County on behalf of hosts. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the Idaho State Tax Commission and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting both state sales tax and local lodging taxes. The City of Meridian may also require business registration and licensing for short-term rental operations. Exemptions typically apply to rentals of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term stays rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for rentals in the host's primary residence under certain circumstances, though specific thresholds and conditions vary.

To start an Airbnb in Meridian, Idaho, the total costs would be approximately $485,000-$535,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000 based on the median home price in Meridian as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees in Ada County include business license ($50), short-term rental permit ($200-$400), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800), maintenance reserves ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $5,300. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or safety upgrades ($3,000-$5,000) to meet rental standards and guest expectations.

Airbnb properties in Meridian, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $2,500-4,500 for well-managed properties with 70-80% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 10-15% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for debt-free properties. Success factors include proximity to Boise metropolitan attractions, modern furnishings, professional photography, responsive host communication, and competitive pricing strategies that capitalize on Meridian's growing tech sector and outdoor recreation tourism. Properties near Village at Meridian shopping district and with easy freeway access to Boise typically outperform suburban locations by 20-25% in revenue generation. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in 2022-2023 can generate $40,000-55,000 annually in gross revenue with net profits of $18,000-28,000 after expenses, representing cash-on-cash returns of 8-12% for leveraged properties and 4-6% for all-cash purchases, making Meridian's Airbnb market moderately profitable compared to other Boise-area suburbs.

Airbnb investments in Meridian, Idaho typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, depending on property type and location within the market. Single-family homes near downtown Meridian and close to Boise attractions tend to achieve the higher end of these returns, while condos and properties further from city centers see returns closer to 8-12%. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with initial investment recovery typically occurring in 3-5 years. The Meridian market benefits from strong tourism demand driven by outdoor recreation, business travel to nearby Boise, and seasonal visitors, with peak earning months from May through September generating 60-70% of annual revenue. Properties averaging $300,000-500,000 purchase price with 20-25% down payments commonly produce monthly cash flows of $800-1,500 after expenses, translating to the stated ROI ranges when factoring in appreciation, tax benefits, and operational costs including cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Meridian, Idaho, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the Meridian area who focus on Airbnb investment properties include Silvercreek Realty Group, Boise Premier Real Estate, and Treasure Valley Property Advisors, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson having established expertise in short-term rental investments since 2019. National services that serve the Meridian market include AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Regional companies such as Idaho Investment Properties and Gem State Real Estate Investments have been helping clients identify profitable Airbnb opportunities in Meridian since 2020, while property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide turnkey solutions for investors looking to purchase and operate short-term rentals in the area. Additional services include STR Helper for property analysis, AllTheRooms Analytics for market insights, and local mortgage brokers like Mountain West Financial and Idaho Central Credit Union who specialize in investment property financing for short-term rental purchases.