Barnstable, MA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Barnstable Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Barnstable, MA, on Cape Cod, delivers a dramatically seasonal short-term rental profile—August revenue tops $15,062 per listing while winter months dip below $800. With only 10 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $54,859 against average home values of $1,265,310, the market rewards investors who can maximize the summer surge. A 317% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the small supply base means competition remains limited for now.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Barnstable

Barnstable's Cape Cod location combines limited competition with intense seasonal demand, making it appealing for investors seeking high summer yields in a tightly supplied market.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 64 out of 100—rated an "Attractive Opportunity"—Barnstable presents a compelling but nuanced investment case. The revenue potential is heavily front-loaded into summer: July and August alone account for roughly half of all annual income, while December through March each contribute less than $1,100. Investors comfortable with extreme seasonality and high property acquisition costs ($1,265,310 average) will find a market where limited supply and strong Cape Cod demand create genuine pricing power during peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Barnstable

Average revenue by month in Barnstable

Barnstable's revenue curve is one of the most seasonal you'll find—August peaks at $15,062 while February bottoms out at just $721, a spread of more than 20x. The core earning window runs June through September, contributing roughly 75% of annual revenue, which means pricing optimization during those four months is critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Barnstable

Property size breakdown data is not currently available for this market. With only 10 total active listings, the sample is too small to produce a meaningful distribution by bedroom count.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Barnstable

ADR data by property size is not currently available for Barnstable. The market's overall ADR of $405 provides a baseline, but investors should research comparable properties individually to estimate size-specific nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Barnstable

RevPAN by property size data is not available at this time. The market-wide RevPAN of $50 reflects the low annual occupancy rate pulling down per-night revenue, despite a relatively healthy ADR of $405.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Barnstable

Occupancy data by bedroom count is not currently available for Barnstable. The overall 13% average occupancy underscores the extreme seasonality of this Cape Cod market, where demand is compressed into a few summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Barnstable

Monthly revenue by property size is not available for this market. Investors can use the overall $4,571 monthly average as a reference point, keeping in mind that larger Cape Cod homes typically command significantly higher summer rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Barnstable

Annual revenue by property size data is not currently available. The market-wide average of $54,859 per year gives a general benchmark, but larger vacation homes with premium amenities in Barnstable likely outperform this figure substantially.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Barnstable

Parking leads at 100% prevalence, followed by kitchens (90%) and BBQ grills (80%)—signaling that guests expect a full home-away-from-home experience with outdoor living spaces. Notably, beach access appears in only 20% of listings, suggesting that properties offering direct or convenient beach proximity could differentiate themselves in this Cape Cod market.

Understanding Barnstable's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Barnstable's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios are average but growth trends and supply/demand dynamics are working in investors' favor. The below-average occupancy stability score is a direct result of Cape Cod's intense seasonality rather than weak demand, so investors who plan for compressed earning windows can still achieve solid returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget will help ensure your investment thesis holds up year-round.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Barnstable

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Barnstable, MA, should expect to register with the town and obtain any required STR permits or licenses. Massachusetts requires STR operators to register at the state level as well, so investors are advised to verify current requirements with both the Town of Barnstable and the Commonwealth before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Cape Cod markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements (particularly during peak summer weeks), noise and parking regulations, and possible HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Some communities also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is important.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room occupancy excise tax on short-term rentals, and municipalities like Barnstable may levy an additional local excise. Platforms such as Airbnb typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with all applicable occupancy and sales tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Barnstable's summer-driven demand should continue to support strong peak-season pricing, with ADR estimates likely holding in the $380–$430 range given Cape Cod's enduring appeal. The above-average market growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance suggest new listings will be absorbed without significant rate erosion. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining concentrated in June through September, with shoulder-season revenue potentially improving by 3–5% as more hosts optimize pricing for spring and fall travelers. Winter months will likely stay soft, so annual cash-flow projections should account for meaningful off-season dips."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Barnstable, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Barnstable?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Barnstable is currently 13%, which is well below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This low figure reflects the market's extreme seasonality—listings are heavily booked during summer months but see minimal demand through the winter. Investors should factor in this seasonal pattern when modeling cash flow and not expect consistent month-to-month occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Barnstable?

Airbnb hosts in Barnstable earn an average of $4,571 per month, or approximately $54,859 annually, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. However, monthly income varies widely—from as little as $721 in February to over $15,062 in August. Peak summer months drive the vast majority of annual revenue, so hosts who optimize pricing and availability from June through September will capture the lion's share of earnings.

Is Barnstable a good market for Airbnb investment?

Barnstable scores 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 10 active listings competing for Cape Cod vacation demand. The main consideration is the pronounced seasonality and the high average home value of $1,265,310, which means investors need strong summer performance to achieve satisfactory returns on their acquisition costs.

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

The current average daily rate in Barnstable is $405, which sits below the Massachusetts state average of $582. While this may seem modest relative to the state, it reflects a mix of peak summer pricing and lower off-season rates. During high-demand months like July and August, nightly rates are typically much higher, pulling monthly revenues well above $13,000.

Are short-term rentals legal in Barnstable?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Barnstable, though operators should expect to comply with local registration and permitting requirements as well as Massachusetts state-level STR regulations. Specific rules regarding zoning, occupancy caps, and safety standards may apply, so prospective investors should consult the Town of Barnstable and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to confirm all current legal obligations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Barnstable?

Peak season in Barnstable runs from June through August, with August being the single strongest month at an average of $15,062 in revenue per listing. July follows closely at $13,946. Shoulder months like May ($3,816) and September ($5,443) also generate meaningful income, while the November through March period is the slowest stretch, with monthly revenues falling below $1,500.

How many Airbnbs are there in Barnstable?

As of April 2026, there are 10 active Airbnb listings in Barnstable. This is a very small supply base, though it has grown 317% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest. The limited inventory means well-managed properties with desirable amenities have an opportunity to capture strong bookings during peak season with minimal direct competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Barnstable?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Barnstable are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 Barnstable and surrounding markets
• Historical occupancy and average daily rate trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue estimates
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects a small sample of 10 active listings, which may limit the statistical reliability of market-wide averages. Local regulations and permitting requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.