Davenport vs Kissimmee for Airbnb: Which Market Performs Better?
A side-by-side comparison from a property manager operating in both Polk County and Osceola County. Real data, real fee breakdowns, no realtor speculation.
By Mike Chen, Licensed Realtor & Vacation Rental Manager at FunStay Florida · Last updated: May 2026
Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb at a Glance
Both cities sit within 25 minutes of Walt Disney World. But they differ sharply on entry price, monthly fees, regulations, and the type of investor they reward.
| Metric | Davenport (Polk Co.) | Kissimmee (Osceola Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$327,500 | ~$350,000 |
| Avg Daily Rate | $249 – $278 | $276 – $281 |
| Occupancy | ~55 – 56% | ~55 – 56% |
| Avg Annual Revenue | $27K – $32K | $33K – $37K |
| Active Listings | ~3,200 | ~8,700 |
| Tourist Dev. Tax | 5% | 6% |
| Disney Distance | ~22 mi / 20–25 min | ~6–18 mi / 10–20 min |
| AirDNA Score | 89 | 94 |
Sources: AirDNA MarketMinder, AirROI, Redfin (March 2026), Polk/Osceola County tax records.
STR Performance: What the Numbers Show
When comparing Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb performance, city-level averages only tell half the story. These numbers include non-resort homes, condos, and poorly managed listings.
The Appreciation Market
Higher nightly rates and closer Disney proximity drive stronger gross revenue. But 8,700+ listings and higher monthly fees mean net margins require careful community selection and premium property management.
$281
Avg ADR
8,700
Active Listings
94
AirDNA Score
42%
5+ BR Homes
📈 Epic Universe Changes Everything
Universal’s Epic Universe opened in May 2025, extending average Disney-area trips from 4 to 5 days to 7 to 10 days. Demand for 5-plus bedroom homes is projected to jump 12% in 2026. Both markets benefit, but Davenport’s larger inventory of 5+ BR homes positions it well for overflow demand.
Resort Communities: Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb Hotspots
The Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb debate comes down to individual communities more than city lines. We manage properties in all of these resorts.
Purpose-built for STR. Oasis Club water park, lazy river, resort pools. Nightly rates $300 to $700.
Gated community with clubhouse, pool complex, splash pad. Strong for 5 to 7 BR homes.
Windsor Island Resort
Newer construction, modern floor plans. Up to 12% annual appreciation reported.
Luxury positioning, 3 championship golf courses. Nightly rates $700 to $1,200+.
Master-planned, ~10 min to Disney. Strong occupancy with townhome and SFH options.
Family-friendly, large clubhouse and water park. Moderate entry vs other Kissimmee resorts.
Mature community with lower entry prices and established rental history.
Monthly Fees: The Cost Nobody Talks About
Most Davenport vs Kissimmee comparisons skip the monthly fee stack entirely. This is the single biggest factor that separates gross revenue from net profit.
| Fee Category | Davenport (Typical) | Kissimmee (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| HOA + Sub-HOA | $231 – $564/mo | $420 – $850+/mo |
| Resort / Club Fee | ~$96/mo | Varies by tier |
| CDD Assessment | ~$250/mo (on tax bill) | Varies by district |
| Total Estimated | $750 – $900/mo | $900 – $1,200+/mo |
⚠️ $200 to $300/mo Changes Everything
That monthly difference adds up to $2,400 to $3,600 per year. On a mid-range property generating $60,000 in gross revenue, it shifts net yield by 4 to 6 percentage points. Always run your ROI projections with actual fees, not just purchase price and gross revenue.
Polk County vs Osceola County: Regulations and Taxes
This is where the two markets diverge most sharply. Buyers evaluating Davenport vs Kissimmee for Airbnb should understand these county-level differences before purchasing.
| Regulation | Polk County (Davenport) | Osceola County (Kissimmee) |
|---|---|---|
| STRO Zoning | No overlay zone | Must be in approved zone |
| License Fee | ~$100 – $150/yr | $160 initial + $150/yr renewal |
| Occupancy Limit | Per fire code | 3 per bedroom + 2 |
| Guest Register | Not required | Required |
| Tourist Dev. Tax | 5% | 6% |
| Enforcement | Light | Active, up to $500/day |
💰The 1% TDT Difference Adds Up
On a property generating $60,000 in gross bookings, Polk County collects $3,000 in tourist development tax while Osceola collects $3,600. Over a 10-year hold, that is $6,000 more in taxes paid in Kissimmee.
Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb: Which One Wins?
When comparing Davenport vs Kissimmee Airbnb performance, city-level averages only tell half the story. These numbers include non-resort homes, condos, and poorly managed listings.
Choose Kissimmee If You Want
Premium Rates, Long-Term Growth
Higher nightly rates, closer Disney proximity, luxury guest demographics, and long-term appreciation potential. Best for experienced investors comfortable with higher capital requirements.
Davenport is the cash-flow play. Kissimmee is the appreciation play.
Both markets reward investors who pick the right community and the right management.
Get a Free Revenue Projection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about Solara Resort vacation rental management in Kissimmee.
