Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ivory Coast Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Abidjan's property market is included in our pack
If you're thinking about starting an Airbnb business in Abidjan, you're probably wondering whether it's legal, profitable, and worth the effort in 2026.
This guide breaks down the current regulations, realistic earnings, and competition levels for short-term rentals across Abidjan's neighborhoods.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest data on the Abidjan Airbnb market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Abidjan.
Insights
- Abidjan Airbnb hosts face an unusual market where 53% of listings require 30+ night minimum stays, reflecting the city's heavy reliance on corporate and medium-term guests rather than weekend tourists.
- Le Plateau, Abidjan's business district, commands nightly rates nearly three times higher than Yopougon (around 68,000 XOF versus 23,000 XOF), showing how dramatically location affects Airbnb income in this city.
- Top 10% of Airbnb hosts in Abidjan achieve occupancy rates above 65%, while the median host sits around 31%, meaning execution and listing quality can double your bookings.
- Air conditioning is essentially mandatory for Abidjan Airbnb success, with 99% of listings offering it, so skipping AC means choosing to lose guests to competitors.
- The realistic monthly net profit for a well-run apartment in Cocody or Marcory ranges from 145,000 to 265,000 XOF ($240 to $440), after covering utilities, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Abidjan's Airbnb supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom units (67% of all listings), leaving potential white space for quality 3-bedroom properties targeting business teams or families.
- Cocody alone hosts roughly 783 active Airbnb listings, making it the most saturated neighborhood, yet its proximity to embassies and expat communities keeps demand strong.
- Seasonal revenue swings in budget areas like Yopougon can see hosts earn 320,000 XOF ($537) in peak months but drop to just 150,000 XOF ($254) during low season.
- Unlike many European cities, Abidjan currently has no publicly documented 90-night annual cap or neighborhood-specific Airbnb bans as of early 2026.
- Business events like MASA (arts market) and FEMUA (music festival) create predictable demand spikes where savvy Abidjan hosts can increase nightly rates by 20% to 40%.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Abidjan in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is recognized and allowed in Abidjan under the country's tourism framework, which defines furnished tourist accommodations (called "meublés de tourisme") as a legitimate activity.
The main legal framework governing Airbnb-style rentals in Abidjan is Côte d'Ivoire's Tourism Code (Law 2014-139), which establishes how tourism establishments operate and interact with tourism taxes.
The single most important thing hosts must understand is that operating a short-term rental in Abidjan means you're running a tourism-related economic activity, which comes with tax obligations including the tourism development tax (taxe de développement touristique).
While there's no widely publicized penalty structure specifically targeting illegal Airbnb operations in Abidjan, hosts who fail to comply with tax obligations could face standard tax enforcement measures from the Direction Générale des Impôts.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Ivory Coast.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Ivory Coast.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no clearly published legal cap on how many nights per year you can rent your Abidjan property on Airbnb, and no government-mandated minimum stay requirement exists like you might find in Paris or Amsterdam.
These rules don't vary by property type or host residency status because they simply don't exist in the current Abidjan regulatory framework, leaving hosts free to set their own booking parameters.
What's interesting is that the market itself has created informal norms: 53% of Abidjan Airbnb listings set a minimum stay of 30 nights or more, likely because corporate and medium-term guests dominate the demand profile here.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Abidjan right now?
Based on the official tourism framework in Côte d'Ivoire, there is no owner-occupancy requirement for operating an Airbnb in Abidjan, meaning you don't need to live in the property yourself.
Secondary homes and investment properties can legally be operated as short-term rentals in Abidjan, as long as you have the right to rent the property (through ownership or proper lease agreements) and comply with any building or condominium rules.
There are no additional permits specifically required for renting out a secondary home versus a primary residence in Abidjan, though you'll still need to handle your tax obligations correctly regardless of which property you're renting.
The practical difference between renting your primary home versus a secondary property in Abidjan is minimal from a regulatory standpoint, though managing a property you don't live in obviously requires more coordination for cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Abidjan right now?
Based on the available official sources, there is no "one host, one listing" restriction in Abidjan, meaning you can operate multiple Airbnb properties under a single name or entity.
There is no documented maximum number of properties one person or company can list for short-term rental in Abidjan as of early 2026, and AirDNA data actually shows property managers operating portfolios of multiple units in the city.
If you're scaling to multiple listings, you'll likely want to formalize your business setup for practical reasons like banking, invoicing, and staff management, though no specific multi-listing license requirement exists in the current Abidjan framework.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no single "Airbnb license number" requirement in Abidjan like you'd find in Barcelona or San Francisco, though operating a short-term rental means you're running a taxable tourism activity that requires proper record-keeping.
The tourism framework recognizes meublés de tourisme as part of the broader tourism ecosystem, and hosts are expected to comply with the tourism development tax system, which involves understanding your obligations to the Direction Générale des Impôts.
For hosts managing just one property casually, formal business registration may not be strictly required, but those scaling up or hiring cleaning staff will benefit from establishing a proper business structure for smoother operations.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no publicly posted neighborhood bans or government-designated restricted zones for Airbnb operations anywhere in Abidjan.
However, real-world restrictions do exist at the building level: some condominium complexes and gated residential compounds in areas like Cocody and Riviera may have internal rules limiting transient guests or requiring approval for short-term rentals.
The main reason certain buildings restrict Airbnb activity isn't government policy but rather building management concerns about security, noise, and maintaining the residential character of premium compounds.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ivory Coast compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Abidjan in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb listing in Abidjan is approximately 38,400 XOF ($64 USD or 59 EUR), while the median nightly price sits closer to 35,000 XOF ($58 USD or 53 EUR).
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Abidjan Airbnb listings falls between 20,000 XOF and 75,000 XOF ($33 to $125 USD, or 30 to 115 EUR), reflecting the wide gap between budget areas and premium neighborhoods.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Abidjan is location: a listing in Le Plateau can command nearly triple the rate of a comparable property in Yopougon, simply because of proximity to business centers and perceived security.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Abidjan.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Airbnb nightly prices in Abidjan vary dramatically from around 23,000 XOF ($39 USD or 36 EUR) in Yopougon to approximately 68,000 XOF ($113 USD or 104 EUR) in Le Plateau, creating a nearly threefold difference between the most affordable and most expensive neighborhoods.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Abidjan are Le Plateau at 68,000 XOF ($113 USD), Marcory at 58,000 XOF ($97 USD), and Cocody at 46,000 XOF ($77 USD), all benefiting from proximity to business centers, embassies, or upscale amenities.
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Yopougon at 23,000 XOF ($39 USD), Koumassi at 35,000 XOF ($58 USD), and parts of outer Cocody, though guests do still book these areas for budget-friendly stays and local experiences.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Abidjan is approximately 41%, meaning the average host books their property for about 12 nights per month.
The realistic occupancy rate range covering most Abidjan listings falls between 30% and 45%, with commune-level data showing Koumassi at 36%, Cocody at 34%, Le Plateau at 32%, and Yopougon at 32%.
Compared to major African cities and global averages, Abidjan's occupancy is moderate, reflecting a market driven more by business travel and medium-term stays than high-turnover tourism.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Abidjan is offering reliable infrastructure: guests consistently book properties with dependable air conditioning, fast internet, and backup power over cheaper alternatives that cut corners.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Abidjan is approximately 195,000 XOF ($325 USD or 300 EUR), based on an annual average of about $3,900 USD across all listings.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Abidjan Airbnb listings falls between 120,000 XOF and 600,000 XOF ($200 to $1,000 USD, or 185 to 920 EUR), depending heavily on neighborhood and property quality.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in premium Abidjan locations like Le Plateau can achieve median monthly revenues around 600,000 XOF ($999 USD), with the best operators potentially reaching 900,000 XOF to 1,200,000 XOF ($1,500 to $2,000 USD) during peak periods by combining high ADRs with above-average occupancy.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Abidjan.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue for Abidjan Airbnb hosts during high season can reach 380,000 to 550,000 XOF ($630 to $920 USD or 580 to 845 EUR) in premium areas like Le Plateau, while low-season months may drop to 150,000 to 280,000 XOF ($250 to $470 USD or 230 to 430 EUR) depending on location.
High season for Abidjan Airbnb rentals typically runs from November through March and during major events, when business travel peaks and cultural festivals bring visitors, while low season falls during the rainy months from May through September when corporate travel slows.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Abidjan range from 110,000 to 270,000 XOF ($180 to $450 USD or 165 to 415 EUR) for a studio or 1-bedroom, up to 270,000 to 720,000 XOF ($450 to $1,200 USD) for a villa or larger house.
The single largest expense category for most Abidjan Airbnb hosts is utilities, particularly electricity for air conditioning, which can run 40,000 to 100,000 XOF ($65 to $165 USD) monthly depending on unit size and guest usage patterns.
Hosts in Abidjan should typically expect to spend 45% to 60% of gross revenue on operating expenses, including utilities, cleaning, internet, maintenance, consumables, and any property management fees.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Abidjan.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a well-run Airbnb apartment in Abidjan ranges from 145,000 to 265,000 XOF ($240 to $440 USD or 220 to 405 EUR), with profit per available night (PAN) falling between 4,800 and 9,000 XOF ($8 to $15 USD).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Abidjan Airbnb listings spans from essentially break-even for poorly managed properties to 400,000 XOF+ ($670 USD) for optimized listings in Le Plateau or premium Cocody locations.
Hosts in Abidjan typically achieve net profit margins between 30% and 45% of gross revenue, though this varies significantly based on whether they self-manage or use property management services.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Abidjan Airbnb listing is around 25% to 30%, meaning you need to book roughly 8 to 9 nights per month just to cover your fixed costs before seeing any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Abidjan, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ivory Coast versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Abidjan as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 4,000 active Airbnb and short-term rental listings in Abidjan, making it one of the larger STR markets in West Africa.
The Abidjan Airbnb market has grown steadily over recent years, driven by the city's role as a regional business hub and Côte d'Ivoire's position as a WAEMU economic engine, with international arrivals recovering post-pandemic and corporate travel sustaining demand.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Abidjan are Cocody (with approximately 783 active listings), followed by Marcory (around 128 listings) and the broader Riviera/Deux Plateaux areas within Cocody commune.
Cocody became so saturated because it combines everything business travelers and expats want: proximity to embassies, international schools, upscale restaurants, and the perceived security of gated residential compounds, making it the default choice for most visitors.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new Abidjan Airbnb hosts include Le Plateau (only about 40 listings despite high ADRs), Koumassi (23 listings), and emerging areas in Marcory, where demand exists but competition is lower.
What local events spike demand in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Abidjan include MASA (Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain), FEMUA (Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo), and major international conferences or trade fairs held at the Palais des Congrès.
During these peak events, Abidjan Airbnb hosts typically see booking rates increase by 20% to 40%, with nightly rates rising 15% to 30% above normal levels as hotel capacity fills and visitors seek alternative accommodations.
Savvy Abidjan hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 6 weeks before major events, ensuring their calendar is open, minimum stays are reduced to capture shorter bookings, and rates are updated to reflect event-driven demand.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Abidjan (the top 10%) achieve occupancy rates of 65% to 70% or higher, effectively booking their properties for 20 or more nights per month.
By comparison, the average Abidjan host sees occupancy around 31% to 35%, meaning top performers book roughly double the nights of typical listings through better photos, faster responses, superior amenities, and professional management.
New hosts in Abidjan typically need 6 to 12 months to build enough reviews and optimize their listings to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they start with a well-prepared property and competitive pricing.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Abidjan.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Abidjan right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Abidjan Airbnb listings is 30,000 to 50,000 XOF ($50 to $83 USD or 46 to 76 EUR), where most mid-market 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments compete for bookings.
White space opportunities for new Abidjan hosts exist at the premium end above 80,000 XOF ($133 USD) per night, where quality 3-bedroom properties are scarce, and in the professional medium-term segment serving corporate clients with 30+ day stays.
To successfully compete in underserved price segments, new Abidjan hosts should focus on reliable infrastructure (backup power, fast fiber internet), business-traveler amenities (workspace, blackout curtains), and a finish level that justifies premium pricing over the crowded mid-market.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Abidjan right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Abidjan as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 1-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Abidjan, representing 67% of all active Airbnb listings in the city and capturing the largest share of solo travelers and couples.
The booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Abidjan shows 1-bedroom units at 67%, 2-bedroom units at 23%, and 3-bedroom or larger properties at roughly 10%, with studios included in the 1-bedroom category for most platforms.
One-bedroom properties perform best in Abidjan because the city's demand is dominated by business travelers and professionals on solo or short-team assignments who need functional space without paying for extra bedrooms they won't use.
What property type performs best in Abidjan in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, entire-place apartments are the best-performing property type for Airbnb in Abidjan, representing approximately 90% of all listings and consistently outperforming private rooms on both revenue and guest preference.
Occupancy rates across property types in Abidjan show entire apartments averaging 35% to 42%, while private rooms typically fall below 25%, as most visitors (especially business travelers) strongly prefer complete privacy and independence.
Entire apartments outperform other property types in Abidjan because the city's guest profile skews toward professionals and corporate visitors who expect hotel-like privacy, a full kitchen for longer stays, and the flexibility to host small meetings or work from the space.
What amenities matter most for Abidjan Airbnb success in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most critical amenities for Airbnb success in Abidjan are air conditioning (offered by 99% of listings), reliable internet (98%), a full kitchen (96%), and a TV (91%), making these essentially mandatory to compete.
Beyond the basics, amenities that differentiate top Abidjan listings include backup power solutions (generators or inverters), workspace setups for business travelers, secure parking, and controlled-access building security.
Skipping air conditioning or reliable internet in Abidjan is essentially choosing to lose bookings, as guests in this hot, business-driven market will immediately filter for these amenities and book competitors who offer them.
What location traits boost bookings in Abidjan right now?
The location traits that boost Airbnb bookings in Abidjan center on proximity to business nodes (especially Le Plateau offices and Cocody commercial areas), easy access to major roads and bridges that reduce Abidjan's notorious commute times, and perceived neighborhood security.
Neighborhoods like Cocody, Riviera, Deux Plateaux, and Marcory outperform because they combine residential comfort with quick access to where business travelers need to be, plus established infrastructure for restaurants, shops, and services.
Properties in gated compounds or buildings with security and controlled access consistently achieve higher occupancy in Abidjan, as safety perception is a major booking factor for international visitors unfamiliar with the city.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Abidjan, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| AirDNA Abidjan Overview | AirDNA is the leading global provider of short-term rental market data, tracking thousands of listings across platforms. | We used it to establish citywide baselines for ADR ($64), occupancy (41%), listing count (4,000+), and amenity prevalence. We also extracted bedroom distributions and minimum stay patterns. |
| AirROI Cocody Report | AirROI provides neighborhood-level STR metrics with explicit sample sizes and dates for granular analysis. | We used it to show Cocody's listing saturation (783 units), median income ($550/month), and occupancy rates. We also compared it against other communes. |
| AirROI Le Plateau Report | Le Plateau is Abidjan's business core, making this report essential for understanding corporate STR demand. | We extracted Le Plateau's premium ADR ($113), top-performer occupancy (70%+), and seasonality data. We also identified supply gaps in larger units. |
| AirROI Marcory Report | Marcory provides a mid-market benchmark between premium and budget Abidjan neighborhoods. | We used it to establish Marcory's ADR ($97) and median monthly income ($637). We also analyzed its position between Plateau and outer communes. |
| AirROI Yopougon Report | Yopougon represents the budget end of Abidjan's STR market with concrete data on lower-priced areas. | We extracted Yopougon's low ADR ($39), seasonal revenue swings, and top-performer versus median occupancy gaps. We used it to show citywide price variation. |
| AirROI Koumassi Report | Koumassi adds another data point for middle-market Abidjan neighborhoods beyond the premium areas. | We used it to avoid cherry-picking only upscale neighborhoods. We also extracted Koumassi's ADR ($58) and occupancy (36%) for citywide medians. |
| Côte d'Ivoire Tourism Portal | This is the official government tourism website defining how meublés de tourisme operate legally. | We used it to establish the legal definition of short-term rentals and the tourism tax framework. We also referenced event listings for demand spike analysis. |
| Tourism Code (Law 2014-139) | This is the primary legal text governing tourism activities in Côte d'Ivoire. | We used it to ground the regulatory framework for STRs and avoid hearsay about legal definitions. We also confirmed the absence of specific STR licensing requirements. |
| Ministry of Tourism Decree 2007-582 | This ministry-hosted decree establishes the Tourism Development Fund and related tax structures. | We used it to validate the tourism tax ecosystem and compliance steps for hosts. We also confirmed the existence and purpose of tourism development levies. |
| Tourism Development Tax Decree | This ministry document details how the taxe de développement touristique is administered. | We cross-checked it against the tourism portal's summary of tax obligations. We also used it to triangulate the tax framework affecting Airbnb hosts. |
| DGI Property Tax Guide | The Direction Générale des Impôts is Côte d'Ivoire's official tax authority providing compliance guidance. | We used it to include property tax obligations (impôt foncier) affecting Airbnb operating costs. We also translated declaration windows and payment mechanics for hosts. |
| IMF Côte d'Ivoire Staff Report | The IMF is a top-tier macroeconomic source used by policymakers and investors globally. | We used it to provide macro context on Côte d'Ivoire's economic stability and growth. We also justified why Abidjan has structural STR demand beyond pure tourism. |
| WTTC Côte d'Ivoire Report | The World Travel & Tourism Council is the recognized global reference for tourism economic impact. | We used it to contextualize the size of travel and tourism activity supporting STR demand. We also complemented local sources where public tourism data was limited. |
| UN Tourism Global Recovery Update | UN Tourism is the United Nations agency tracking global tourism flows and recovery patterns. | We used it to justify that international demand has recovered, supporting Abidjan's business traffic. We also framed seasonality expectations and external shock risks. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ivory Coast. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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