Airbnb vs long-term furnished rental in Paris in 2026: the comparison no one really makes

For years, the answer went without saying: Airbnb earns more. A well-located Parisian apartment, a few hundred euros a night, a solid occupancy rate — and the owner pocketed far more than with a traditional tenant.

This calculation remains partially true. But it is less and less complete. In 2026, the real profitability of a short-term rental in Paris depends on variables that many owners do not factor into their reasoning: hidden operational costs, tax pressure, regulatory exposure, and the progressive erosion of the model under the weight of new municipal rules.

This guide takes stock without bias — with concrete figures and an honest reading of what each regime actually implies in 2026.

What an Airbnb in Paris actually earns: beyond gross revenue

The market data for 2025-2026 is appealing on paper. A typical 40 m² apartment, well-located and highly rated, can generate an average price of €220 to €250 a night with an occupancy rate close to 70%. Over twelve months of year-round operation, gross revenue can approach €55,000.

This is the figure owners see first. It is rarely the one they pocket.

Between gross revenue and net income, there is a series of expense items that Airbnb simulators do not spontaneously highlight.

The platform charges about 3% on host income. Cleaning and laundry represent between 15% and 20% of revenue depending on the average length of stay — more if the stays are short and turnover is high. All housing costs — electricity, heating, water, internet — remain the owner's responsibility, unlike a traditional rental where these items are often passed on to or covered by the tenant. To this must be added consumables (household linen, welcome products, regular replacement of small furniture), accelerated wear and tear of the property linked to high turnover, and specific short-term rental insurance that is significantly more expensive than standard insurance.

If the owner manages it themselves, all these expenses generally represent 25% to 30% of turnover. In the case of full delegation to a concierge or manager, the rate rises to 40-50%. Short-term management also requires a considerable amount of time: coordinating arrivals and departures, responding to travelers, managing incidents, and tracking reviews.

On a €55,000 gross revenue apartment managed under full delegation, net income before taxes can drop to €27,000-€33,000. Very respectable — but significantly less spectacular than the displayed gross revenue.

Short-term rental taxation: a parameter many underestimate

Income from tourist furnished rentals is taxed under BIC (Bénéfices Industriels et Commerciaux), whether it is an occasional or intensive rental. Two regimes coexist.

The micro-BIC applies if your annual revenue does not exceed €15,000 for an unclassified furnished tourist accommodation — a threshold lowered since 2024, which now excludes the vast majority of active Parisian operations. For classified furnished accommodations, the threshold remains at €77,700 with a 71% deduction, but obtaining an official classification imposes constraints that few owners satisfy.

For the majority of active Parisian Airbnb landlords, the real regime is therefore necessary. It allows for the deduction of all actual expenses and the depreciation of the property and furniture — which can significantly reduce the taxable base. However, it requires rigorous accounting and, in practice, the services of a chartered accountant.