Galveston, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Galveston Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating5.5
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Competition
3.7 -
Real Estate Cost
7.6 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
4.8 -
Rental Rates
6.0
Galveston, Texas Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 50,446
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Galveston
- Airports
- Scholes International Airport at Galveston (GLS)
- Houston Gulf Airport (SPX)
Want to learn more about Galveston?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Galveston rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Galveston rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Galveston.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Galveston guests.
Interested in other Texas cities?
Check out the Texas short term rental regulations directory
What makes Galveston a great place to invest?
- Pristine Beaches: Galveston boasts 32 miles of stunning Gulf Coast beaches, offering visitors sun-soaked relaxation and a variety of exciting water sports. From the family-friendly Stewart Beach to the vibrant East Beach, there's a perfect spot for every type of beach lover.
- Historic Pleasure Pier: Experience the nostalgic charm of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an iconic oceanfront amusement park. With thrilling rides, games, and dining options, it's a fun-packed destination for the whole family to enjoy.
- Moody Gardens: Unleash your inner explorer at Moody Gardens, a world-class entertainment and educational complex. Visit the Rainforest Pyramid, explore marine life in the Aquarium Pyramid, or enjoy a film at the 4D Special FX Theater. There's always something new to discover!
- Victorian Architecture and History: Step back in time as you stroll through Galveston's historic downtown, admiring the well-preserved Victorian architecture. Don't miss the chance to tour some of the island's most stunning mansions, such as the Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.
- Outdoor Adventures: Galveston offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from birdwatching at the Galveston Island State Park to fishing at the 61st Street Fishing Pier. For more adrenaline-filled fun, try your hand at jet-skiing, parasailing, or even surfing in the island's warm waters.
Galveston Nearby Cities
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22 miles away
- Rating: 7.0
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33 miles away
- Rating: 6.8
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Galveston?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Galveston has decreased -8% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $268, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$363,880
-8% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$268
-2% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,430
5% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Galveston, Texas
Common terms for Galveston short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Galveston has a description approximately 1,973 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 3,920 listings in Galveston, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Galveston, NumberGVR, Pool, Balcony, Pleasure Pier, Perfect, Block, Family, and Moody Garden.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Galveston?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Galveston involve going to the Beach, Museums, Water Parks, Surfing, and Boating. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Beach
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Museums
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Water Parks
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Surfing
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Boating
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Swimming
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Antiquing
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Theme Parks
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Jet Skiing
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Adventure Activities
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Cycling
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Marina
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Galveston, including Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal, Moody Gardens, Port of Galveston, Galveston Seawall, and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
Included on nearly all listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Moody Gardens
Included on nearly all listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Port of Galveston
Included on nearly all listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Galveston Seawall
Included on nearly all listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Strand Historic District
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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East Beach
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Galveston Ferry Terminal
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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61st Street Fishing Pier
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Pier 21
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Stewart Beach Park
Included on nearly all listings
What’s the weather like in Galveston, Texas?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 76°, while the average low is about 66°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 48 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Galveston are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
51° Low 63° High
Spring
March through May
66° Low 75° High
Summer
June through August
79° Low 89° High
Fall
September through November
68° Low 79° High
Cities Near Galveston
Galveston, Texas, is located in Galveston County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
