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

Boston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With 966 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $47,741, Boston presents a compelling but nuanced opportunity for short-term rental investors. The market's above-average occupancy stability — paired with an ADR of $189 that sits well below the Massachusetts state average of $582 — suggests room for rate optimization, especially for larger properties that command significantly higher nightly prices. High property values averaging around $1.3 million mean investors should carefully model their returns, but strong seasonal demand driven by Boston's universities, healthcare institutions, and cultural tourism creates a reliable baseline of guests year-round.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Boston 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 Boston

Boston's blend of academic, medical, and tourism demand offers year-round booking potential that few Northeast markets can match, making it a resilient — if capital-intensive — STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Boston earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 57 out of 100, reflecting a market where healthy demand and stable occupancy are partially offset by high property acquisition costs and below-average market growth trends. Seasonality is pronounced — monthly revenues swing from around $1,593 in January to $5,466 in October, meaning operators need to plan cash reserves for the winter dip. The sweet spot for returns appears to be in mid-size to larger properties: 4-bedroom units generate the highest RevPAN at $141 and pull in roughly $130,937 annually. For investors willing to navigate Boston's regulatory landscape and commit the upfront capital, the market's deep demand drivers and occupancy resilience offer a solid foundation for long-term STR income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Boston

Average revenue by month in Boston

Boston's STR market shows strong seasonality, with revenue peaking at $5,466 in October and bottoming out at $1,593 in January — a 3.4x spread that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. The May-through-October window consistently delivers $5,000+ months, while November through February represents the soft season where strategic pricing and minimum-stay adjustments become critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Boston

One-bedroom units dominate Boston's supply with 438 listings (45% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 192 and studios at 180. Larger configurations — particularly 4-bedroom (50 listings), 5-bedroom (10), and 6+ bedroom (11) properties — are notably underrepresented, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to operate bigger homes targeting group travelers and families.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Boston

ADR scales steeply with size in Boston, climbing from $119 for studios to $552 for 6+ bedroom properties — nearly a 5x premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($219) to 3 bedrooms ($301) and again to 4 bedrooms ($428) represents the steepest rate increases, suggesting that mid-to-large properties command outsized pricing power relative to their incremental size.

Average RevPAN by property size in Boston

Six-plus bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $179, followed by 4-bedroom units at $141, indicating that larger homes deliver the strongest revenue per available night despite lower occupancy rates. One-bedroom listings lag at just $52 RevPAN — the lowest of any category — suggesting heavy competition in that segment is compressing effective returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Boston

Studios achieve the highest occupancy at 49%, making them the most consistently booked property type in Boston, while 5-bedroom units trail at just 23%. The 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom segments both sit at 37%, reflecting adequate but not exceptional fill rates — a reminder that in Boston's competitive small-unit market, occupancy alone doesn't guarantee strong returns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Boston

Monthly revenue climbs dramatically with property size: 6+ bedroom listings earn $12,674 per month on average, more than four times the $3,123 generated by 1-bedroom units. Four-bedroom properties hit a strong $10,911 monthly, representing a particularly attractive tier given they balance high revenue with more manageable operational complexity than the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Boston

Annual revenue ranges from $37,477 for 1-bedroom units to $152,090 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom listings generating $130,937 — the clear standout when weighing revenue potential against the limited supply (only 50 active listings) in that tier. Investors eyeing the most competitive returns should target the 3-to-4 bedroom range, where annual revenues of $81,437 to $130,937 pair with relatively thin competition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Boston

Kitchens (90%), self check-in (80%), and in-unit laundry (washer 72%, dryer 70%) are table stakes for Boston listings, reflecting a guest base that values convenience and independence. A dedicated workspace appears in 70% of listings — an unusually high rate that underscores Boston's appeal to remote workers and business travelers — while pet-friendliness (31%) and outdoor spaces remain differentiators that could help new listings stand out.

Understanding Boston's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Boston's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling that the market offers a meaningful return opportunity tempered by certain headwinds. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's strongest factor, while the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both land at average levels — a reflection of Boston's high property costs moderating the income-to-investment equation. Market growth trends rate below average, suggesting that rising competition from the 182% listing growth could pressure margins, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and neighborhood-level analysis is essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Boston

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

Permit Requirements

Boston requires short-term rental operators to register with the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department and obtain the appropriate STR permit before listing a property. Massachusetts state law also mandates registration through a statewide registry, so investors should verify compliance with both city and state requirements before going live.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Boston include limits on the number of nights a property can be rented short-term per year, requirements that the unit be the operator's primary residence for certain permit types, and occupancy caps tied to the property's configuration. Investors should also be aware of potential HOA restrictions, noise ordinances, and parking requirements that may apply depending on the neighborhood and building type.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Massachusetts are subject to state and local room occupancy taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Boston may also impose a community impact fee on certain STR transactions, so investors should consult a local tax professional to understand their full obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Boston's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenues in the May–October corridor and softer winter months. The 182% year-over-year growth in active listings signals expanding supply, which could moderate ADR gains to an estimated 1–3% increase range. Occupancy rates will likely hover in the 37–42% range market-wide, though well-positioned properties in high-demand neighborhoods may outperform. Investors entering now should plan for a ramp-up period and focus on differentiation through amenities and guest experience to capture share in a growing but competitive field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Boston, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boston?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boston is currently 39%, which falls slightly below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead the pack at 49%, while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 23%. These figures reflect market-wide averages; well-optimized listings with competitive pricing and strong reviews can often exceed these benchmarks.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Boston?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Boston earns approximately $3,978 per month or $47,741 annually. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size — 1-bedroom units average $37,477 per year, while 4-bedroom properties pull in around $130,937 and 6+ bedroom listings can reach $152,090 annually. Peak earning months run from May through October, with October being the highest-revenue month at an average of $5,466.

Is Boston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Boston scores 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given Boston's high property values (averaging around $1.3 million). Investors targeting larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units — may find the strongest returns, as these configurations generate the highest RevPAN and annual revenue figures.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Boston is $189, which is considerably lower than the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales substantially with property size: studios average $119 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $552. Two-bedroom units at $219 and 3-bedroom listings at $301 represent the mid-range, making them accessible entry points for investors looking to capture solid nightly rates without the overhead of managing very large properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Boston?

Short-term rentals are legal in Boston, but they are subject to a permitting and registration process overseen by the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Operators must comply with local zoning rules, registration requirements, and applicable tax obligations. Regulations can vary by property type and whether the unit is owner-occupied, so prospective investors should review current city ordinances and consult with local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Boston?

Peak season for Airbnb in Boston runs from May through October, with the highest average monthly revenue occurring in October at $5,466, followed closely by June ($5,422) and July ($5,418). The warm-weather months and fall foliage season, combined with university move-in periods and major events, drive the strongest demand. Winter months — particularly January ($1,593) and February ($1,648) — represent the off-peak trough, creating a roughly 3.4x spread between the best and weakest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Boston?

As of April 2026, there are 966 active Airbnb listings in Boston. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 182% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 438 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties (192) and studios (180). Larger properties with 4 or more bedrooms remain relatively scarce, with just 71 combined listings in that category.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Boston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Boston 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Boston, 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.