Bethel, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bethel Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bethel, ME draws short-term rental demand from its proximity to Sunday River Resort and the year-round outdoor recreation the western Maine mountains provide. With 208 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $447 — above the $415 state average — and average annual revenue of $37,244, the market offers solid nightly pricing power but is tempered by a 42% occupancy rate that sits well below Maine's 55% average. Investors who target the right property size and navigate pronounced seasonality can find workable returns, though selective deal sourcing is essential given rising competition and elevated home values averaging $651,509.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bethel 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 Bethel

Bethel attracts investor interest because of its dual-season tourism base and above-average nightly rates, though competition and occupancy pressures call for careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bethel presents a competitive but navigable opportunity for STR investors willing to be selective. The market's pronounced seasonality — February revenues top $5,530 per listing while May dips to just $1,116 — means cash-flow planning is critical, and investors should expect several lean months each year. Larger properties clearly outperform: 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units deliver the strongest RevPAN and annual revenue, suggesting that the path to solid returns runs through higher-capacity mountain homes. With occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rated below average, success here hinges on premium amenities, sharp pricing, and targeting the property sizes that consistently earn above the market mean."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bethel

Average revenue by month in Bethel

Bethel's revenue cycle has two clear peaks — February at $5,530 and August at $4,836 — with a deep trough from April through June when monthly averages fall below $1,600. The roughly 5x spread between the best and worst months underscores the importance of building a cash reserve during peak periods to cover leaner shoulder seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bethel

Four-bedroom properties dominate Bethel's supply with 63 active listings, followed by 3-bedroom (42) and 2-bedroom (35) units. Studios and 6+ bedroom homes each account for just 10 listings, suggesting potential opportunity at the higher end where revenue per unit is significantly stronger and competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bethel

ADR climbs steeply with size in Bethel, from $146 for 1-bedroom units to $1,048 for 6+ bedroom homes — a more than 7x premium. The sharpest rate jumps occur between 3-bedroom ($367) and 4-bedroom ($542) properties, making that tier an interesting entry point for investors seeking higher nightly rates without the operational complexity of the largest homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bethel

Revenue per available night scales dramatically with property size, ranging from just $26 for studios to $443 for 6+ bedroom homes. Five-bedroom units deliver $352 in RevPAN with occupancy comparable to 4-bedroom listings, making them a strong performer on a per-night basis after accounting for vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bethel

Occupancy is remarkably consistent across 1- through 6+ bedroom properties, clustering between 40% and 45%, while studios are a clear outlier at just 12%. This uniformity means that the revenue advantage of larger homes is driven almost entirely by higher nightly rates rather than more nights booked.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bethel

Monthly revenue in Bethel scales sharply with bedroom count — from $569 for studios to $12,344 for 6+ bedroom homes. Five-bedroom properties at $7,798 per month offer more than double the revenue of 4-bedroom units ($3,753), representing a notable jump that makes the larger configuration particularly attractive for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bethel

Annual revenue potential ranges from $6,831 for studios to $148,138 for 6+ bedroom homes, with a clear inflection point at the 5-bedroom tier ($93,585). Investors targeting the highest return potential should focus on properties with five or more bedrooms, where annual revenue is roughly 2x to 3x that of 3- and 4-bedroom homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bethel

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (94%) are virtually universal in Bethel listings, while self check-in (88%) and laundry (79–80%) are standard guest expectations. Nearly half of listings feature hot tubs (48%) and 46% allow pets — both strong differentiators in a mountain market — while saunas (9%) remain rare and could offer a competitive edge for new hosts.

Understanding Bethel's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Bethel's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning that while investor interest and guest demand are real, the market requires more careful property selection to generate strong returns. The revenue-to-price ratio rates as average — not surprising given $651,509 home values paired with $37,244 average annual revenue — while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate below average, reflecting the impact of pronounced seasonality and a 140% year-over-year surge in new listings. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and targeting higher-bedroom-count properties can help investors identify deals that outperform the market mean.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bethel

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bethel, Maine may need to obtain a local lodging or rental permit and register with the state. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Bethel and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Maine resort communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and parking ordinances, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Because rules evolve, it's wise to confirm the latest local and state regulations before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Maine imposes a 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts may also owe state sales tax depending on services offered. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Maine Revenue Services.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bethel's STR market is likely to follow its established dual-peak pattern — strong winter ski season and a busy late-summer period — with softer shoulder months continuing to drag overall occupancy. ADR could edge up another 2–4% as larger, amenity-rich properties command premium rates, though the 140% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that new supply may keep occupancy in the low-to-mid 40% range. Investors should budget conservatively for spring and early-summer revenue dips and plan pricing strategies around the February and August peaks. Estimates suggest the supply/demand balance will remain tight, favoring hosts who differentiate through hot tubs, saunas, or pet-friendly policies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bethel, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bethel?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bethel is currently 42%, which trails the Maine state average of 55%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom and 5-bedroom units performing best at around 45%, while studios lag at just 12%. The lower overall occupancy reflects Bethel's strong seasonality — winter ski months and late summer drive most bookings, with quieter shoulder periods in spring and early summer.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bethel?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bethel earn approximately $3,103 per month or $37,244 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies widely by property size: studios average just $6,831 annually, while 5-bedroom homes bring in roughly $93,585 and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $148,138 per year. Larger, well-appointed mountain homes clearly command the highest earnings in this market.

Is Bethel a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bethel scores 45 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average daily rates ($447 vs. $415 state average) and strong demand during ski season and summer months, but below-average occupancy and rapid supply growth (140% year-over-year listing increase) mean investors need to be strategic. Larger properties with premium amenities like hot tubs or saunas tend to perform best, and careful deal sourcing is essential given average home values of $651,509.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bethel is $447, which is above the Maine state average of $415. ADR scales steeply with property size — from $146 for 1-bedroom units up to $1,048 for 6+ bedroom homes. This premium pricing reflects the vacation and resort nature of the market, where groups of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts are willing to pay more for spacious accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bethel?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Bethel, ME, though operators may need to obtain local permits and register with the state. Maine imposes a 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals, which major platforms typically collect on behalf of hosts. Investors should check with the Town of Bethel and Maine state agencies for the most current permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bethel?

Bethel experiences two distinct peak periods. The strongest month is February, when average revenue reaches $5,530 per listing — driven by ski season at nearby Sunday River Resort. August is the second peak at $4,836, reflecting summer tourism in the western Maine mountains. December ($4,109) and January ($4,085) are also strong. The slowest months are April through June, with May bottoming out at just $1,116 in average monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bethel?

As of April 2026, there are 208 active Airbnb listings in Bethel. The supply skews toward larger properties: 4-bedroom homes lead with 63 listings, followed by 3-bedroom (42) and 2-bedroom (35) units. Active listings have grown 140% year-over-year, which indicates significant investor interest but also increasing competition for bookings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bethel?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bethel 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Bethel and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent regulatory or market changes. Individual results will vary based on property location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.