How long will my Craigslist ad last?

Paid Craigslist posts last 30 days. Free posts last 45 days in most markets and 30 days in the biggest metros. Craigslist doesn't publish which, so we measured it. Pick your city and section to see when your post comes down.

CitySectionListing type

Your Houston post stays up

45 days

Posted today, it comes down around Thu, December 24.

Measured directly in Houston: the oldest live free posts there were just under 45 days old. Renewing every 48–72 hours moves the post to the top but doesn't extend this.

Questions

How long do Craigslist ads last?

Paid posts (jobs, gigs, services, vehicles, dealer listings, commercial real estate) last 30 days. Free posts last 45 days in most markets and 30 days in the biggest metros. Event posts last until the event date.

Does renewing a Craigslist ad extend it?

No. Free posts can be renewed every 48–72 hours, which moves them back to the top of the listings, but the expiration date stays the same. Paid posts can't be renewed.

Does deleting and undeleting reset the clock?

No. Craigslist counts time spent deleted toward the post's lifespan.

Why do Craigslist ads expire sooner in New York and Los Angeles?

Craigslist gives free posts a shorter lifespan in its biggest markets. In our measurements, free categories topped out at 30 days in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, and at 45 days in San Antonio, Houston and Atlanta.

Method and full data: How long do Craigslist ads last? 30 days or 45. Official rule: Craigslist posting lifespan.

Also try: Craigslist fee calculator