Is Meridian, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Meridian, Idaho, begin by researching the city's short-term rental regulations, which require a business license from the City of Meridian and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow short-term rentals in residential areas with certain restrictions on occupancy and parking. Obtain necessary permits including a business license ($50-100 annually), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify HOA restrictions if applicable. Find a suitable property by analyzing Meridian's popular areas like downtown near The Village or neighborhoods close to Roaring Springs Theme Park, considering proximity to Boise Airport (20 minutes away) and local attractions. Purchase essential furnishings including quality bedding, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting Meridian's suburban appeal and proximity to Boise, setting competitive rates based on local market analysis showing average nightly rates of $80-150 depending on property size and season. Manage your rental by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services (typically $75-125 per turnover), maintaining responsive guest communication, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring Ada County's 6% lodging tax requirements and Idaho state tax obligations.

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 outdoor recreation access points along the Boise River or Eagle Island State Park. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking for 4+ vehicles, as these appeal to visiting families and business travelers. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can generate $150-200+ per night during peak seasons (summer months and Boise State football season). Research competition by studying existing STR listings within 3-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved neighborhoods like Meridian's Paramount or Tuscany developments. Utilize local resources including the Meridian Chamber of Commerce for event calendars, Idaho MLS data through local realtors like Silvercreek Realty Group, and monitor Ada County's STR regulations which currently allow short-term rentals in residential zones with proper licensing, while tracking seasonal demand patterns driven by Rooster Days festival, summer recreation, and corporate travel to the Treasure Valley's tech corridor.

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 restricted in certain residential areas. Submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which requires a completed application form, site plan showing parking areas and property layout, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, floor plan of the rental unit, and a $500-800 application fee. Additionally, you'll need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $25-50 annually, provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage naming the City as additional insured, pass required inspections including fire safety and building code compliance, and submit a parking plan showing adequate off-street parking spaces. Meridian requires STR operators to have a local contact person available 24/7, maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, display the permit number in all advertisements, and comply with noise ordinances and neighborhood compatibility standards. The entire process typically takes 60-90 days from application submission to permit approval, and permits must be renewed annually with the city conducting periodic compliance inspections.

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 generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential zones while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, with properties required to have a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues. Recent changes around 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced neighbor notification processes, with the city requiring annual renewals of STR permits. Meridian has also established complaint procedures and can revoke licenses for repeated violations, particularly focusing on maintaining neighborhood character and addressing resident concerns about increased traffic and noise in 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 Settlers Park offers proximity to local festivals, farmers markets, and community events while providing easy access to Boise via I-84, appealing to both tourists and business travelers. The Lakeview Golf Course neighborhood attracts golf enthusiasts and offers a premium location for vacation rentals targeting affluent visitors. Areas near Ten Mile Creek and Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park are attractive for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for recreational activities, hiking, and park events. The Meridian Speedway vicinity draws motorsports fans during racing seasons, creating seasonal demand spikes. Properties near major employers like Scentsy, Blue Cross of Idaho, and St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center cater to business travelers, medical professionals, and corporate visitors, while the proximity to Boise Airport (15 minutes away) makes these areas convenient for all types of short-term rental guests.

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 typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Idaho State Tax Commission and Ada County on behalf of hosts. For properties not using Airbnb's collection service, hosts must register with the Idaho State Tax Commission, obtain a sales tax permit, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting collected taxes along with their filings. The City of Meridian may also require business license registration for short-term rental operations. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some properties used primarily as permanent residences with minimal rental activity may qualify for reduced obligations, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with local tax authorities as regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Meridian, Idaho, expect total costs around $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required city registrations. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$450 monthly or $1,800-$2,700 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and vacancy periods typically total $8,000-$15,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, and a recommended cash reserve of $10,000-$20,000 for unexpected expenses and initial marketing efforts to establish the property in the competitive Boise metro short-term rental market.

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 attractions while offering lower accommodation costs than downtown, modern furnishings targeting business travelers and families visiting the rapidly growing Treasure Valley area, and properties near Village at Meridian shopping center or Eagle Hills Golf Course commanding premium rates. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in 2022 generates approximately $42,000 annual revenue with $23,000 in expenses, yielding $19,000 profit before taxes and mortgage payments, while newer construction properties in subdivisions like Paramount or Tuscany achieve higher occupancy rates due to modern amenities and reliable WiFi attracting remote workers and corporate travelers.

Airbnb investments in Meridian, Idaho typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the city's proximity to Boise and growing tourism market. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown Meridian or close to recreational areas like Eagle Island State Park can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even points accelerated by Meridian's strong job market growth from companies like Micron Technology and St. Luke's Health System attracting business travelers. The market benefits from year-round demand due to outdoor recreation opportunities and corporate travel, with peak seasons during summer months and ski season generating premium rates that can push annual returns toward the higher end of the range for properties with proper management and strategic pricing.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Meridian, Idaho, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Meridian include Silvercreek Realty Group, Amherst Madison Real Estate, and Keller Williams Realty Boise, with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Peterson who focus on investment properties. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition, and Mashvisor, an analytics platform that evaluates rental potential in Meridian markets. AirDNA offers market data and revenue projections for the Meridian area, while Roofstock has expanded into short-term rental investments and occasionally features Idaho properties. Local property management companies like Boise Property Solutions and Treasure Valley Property Management can assist with post-purchase operations, and investment-focused brokerages such as BiggerPockets-affiliated agents in the Boise metro area frequently work with clients seeking Airbnb properties in Meridian's growing market near the Boise foothills.