Bar Harbor, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bar Harbor Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bar Harbor earns an ROI score of 74 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $83,061 and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, this coastal Maine destination offers compelling income potential driven by its position as the gateway to Acadia National Park. While the market's 27% average occupancy rate reflects its intensely seasonal character, peak-season months like July and August generate revenues that more than compensate, with August alone averaging $18,772.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bar Harbor short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bar Harbor

Investors are drawn to Bar Harbor for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and the reliable seasonal demand created by one of America's most visited national parks.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bar Harbor presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand — and can plan around — a sharply seasonal revenue cycle. The market's strength lies in its concentrated summer earning power: August tops out at $18,772 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to just $1,109. This 17:1 peak-to-trough ratio means investors need to budget carefully for the off-season but can expect outsized returns during the warmer months. With a revenue-to-price ratio rated above average and stable occupancy patterns within the active season, the market rewards well-positioned properties, particularly larger homes that command both higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bar Harbor

Average revenue by month in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor's seasonality is extreme, with August ($18,772) generating nearly 17 times the revenue of January ($1,109). The prime earning window spans June through October, collectively accounting for the vast majority of annual income, which means investors should plan for minimal cash flow during the November–April off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bar Harbor

One-bedroom listings lead supply with 29 units, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (24) and 2-bedrooms (23), while 4-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 11 listings. The relative undersupply of larger homes, combined with their superior revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bar Harbor

ADR scales steadily with property size, from $158 for 1-bedroom units up to $412 for 4-bedroom homes — a 2.6x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($231) to 3-bedrooms ($355) is particularly notable, suggesting strong group-travel demand willing to pay up for extra space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bar Harbor

RevPAN increases sharply with size, from $34 for 1-bedroom listings to $144 for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes not only charge more but also convert available nights into revenue far more effectively. The 4-bedroom tier delivers more than four times the RevPAN of a 1-bedroom, making it the clear leader in per-night earning efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bar Harbor

Occupancy rates climb from 22% for 1-bedroom listings to 35% for 4-bedroom properties, reinforcing that larger homes attract more consistent bookings in this market. Even so, all property sizes reflect the seasonal character of Bar Harbor, where annualized occupancy is compressed by the quiet winter months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bar Harbor

Four-bedroom properties lead average monthly revenue at $9,428, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $9,112 — both nearly double the $4,702 earned by 1-bedroom units. This gap highlights how much additional income larger properties can capture, though the marginal revenue difference between 3- and 4-bedroom homes is relatively slim.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bar Harbor

Annualized, 4-bedroom properties top the market at $113,137, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $109,355, while 1-bedroom listings earn $56,433 — roughly half. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return potential, the 3-bedroom configuration may offer the strongest balance, delivering near-top revenue with a larger supply pool to choose from.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bar Harbor

Parking dominates at 99% prevalence, reflecting Bar Harbor's car-dependent location near Acadia National Park, while kitchen access (89%) and laundry facilities (79–81%) signal that guests expect home-like conveniences during their stays. Outdoor amenities like backyards, patios, and BBQ grills appear in roughly half of listings, and differentiators like hot tubs (4%) and beach access (5%) remain rare — potentially offering a competitive edge for properties that include them.

Understanding Bar Harbor's ROI Score: 74/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Bar Harbor's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. The market growth trend is currently rated below average, likely reflecting the significant year-over-year increase in listings (143%) that could dilute individual returns if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for Bar Harbor's pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bar Harbor

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Bar Harbor. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Bar Harbor, Maine may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property with the town before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Bar Harbor's municipal offices and review any applicable state-level Maine regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Maine communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may add additional layers of restriction, and some municipalities impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so it's worth confirming whether any such limits apply in Bar Harbor before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maine are generally required to collect and remit the state lodging tax, and there may be additional local or tourism-related assessments. Many booking platforms collect these taxes automatically on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Maine Revenue Services.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Bar Harbor can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bar Harbor's STR market is expected to maintain its strong seasonal rhythm, with summer months continuing to dominate revenue generation. ADR could see modest growth in the range of 1–3%, supported by sustained tourism demand to Acadia National Park, though market growth trends currently sit below average. Active listings have grown significantly year-over-year (143%), which may temper per-listing revenue gains unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates holding around 25–30% on an annualized basis, with the bulk of income concentrated between May and October."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bar Harbor, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bar Harbor?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bar Harbor is currently 27%, which is below the Maine state average of 55%. This figure reflects the market's intensely seasonal nature — Bar Harbor sees the vast majority of its bookings between May and October, with winter months contributing very little occupancy. Larger properties tend to perform better, with 4-bedroom listings averaging 35% occupancy compared to 22% for 1-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bar Harbor?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bar Harbor earn approximately $83,061 per year, or about $6,921 per month based on a trailing 12-month average. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $56,433 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $113,137. The summer months are where the real earnings happen — August alone averages $18,772 in revenue.

Is Bar Harbor a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bar Harbor scores 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability, making it a compelling option for investors who can handle the seasonal cash-flow pattern. The key consideration is that nearly all revenue is earned between May and October, so operational costs during the off-season need to be factored into your financial planning.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bar Harbor?

The average daily rate in Bar Harbor is $276, which is below the Maine state average of $415. However, rates vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $158 per night, 2-bedrooms average $231, 3-bedrooms command $355, and 4-bedroom properties reach $412 per night. These rates reflect strong demand for larger group-friendly accommodations during peak season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bar Harbor?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bar Harbor, with 93 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits or registration, and restrictions around noise, parking, and occupancy limits may apply. Investors should consult Bar Harbor's municipal government and review Maine state regulations to ensure full compliance before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bar Harbor?

Peak season in Bar Harbor runs from June through October, with August being the single highest-earning month at $18,772 in average revenue. July follows closely at $16,716, and September and October remain strong at $10,662 and $9,399 respectively. The off-season from November through April sees dramatically lower revenue, with January averaging just $1,109.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bar Harbor?

There are currently 93 active Airbnb listings in Bar Harbor as of April 2026. The supply is fairly distributed across property sizes: 29 are 1-bedroom listings, 23 are 2-bedrooms, 24 are 3-bedrooms, and 11 are 4-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 143%, so the competitive landscape is shifting.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bar Harbor?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bar Harbor are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like Bar Harbor's strong summer months) and slower winter periods. Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, and how well a host manages their listing.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for Bar Harbor and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal performance trends
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages by property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Property value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations in Bar Harbor and the state of Maine may affect your ability to operate a short-term rental — always verify current rules before investing.