Bristol, RI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bristol Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bristol, RI is a compact coastal market with just 39 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $62,698 per property — attractive figures for a town known for its waterfront charm and New England seasonal appeal. The market's ADR of $281 sits well below the Rhode Island state average of $547, yet an above-average revenue-to-price ratio suggests property values still support healthy returns. With strong seasonal peaks driving monthly revenues above $9,000 in late summer and fall, Bristol rewards investors who can capitalize on concentrated demand windows.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bristol 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 Bristol

Bristol attracts STR investors because its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and coastal New England location create a compelling seasonal return profile despite the market's small size.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bristol presents an attractive but niche opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply from July through November — October alone averages $9,302 — while the February-through-April stretch sees monthly earnings drop below $2,200, creating a wide seasonal spread. The 65/100 ROI score reflects genuine strengths in revenue-to-price efficiency and occupancy stability, tempered by below-average growth trends and a supply-demand balance that has shifted with 205% listing growth year-over-year. Investors focused on 3-bedroom properties, which generate the highest RevPAN at $107 and annual revenue near $94,269, stand to capture the strongest returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bristol

Average revenue by month in Bristol

Bristol's revenue profile is heavily seasonal, peaking at $9,302 in October and $9,001 in August while bottoming out in April at just $2,049 — a spread of over $7,200 between the best and worst months. Investors should plan for robust earnings from July through November but budget for significantly leaner returns from February through April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bristol

Supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings at 12 each, with 3-bedroom properties trailing at 9 units. The relatively lower count of 3-bedroom listings, combined with their superior revenue performance, may signal a supply gap worth targeting for new investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bristol

Three-bedroom properties command a significant ADR premium at $388, nearly double the rates for 1-bedroom ($214) and 2-bedroom ($208) units. Interestingly, 1- and 2-bedroom ADRs are nearly identical, suggesting the real pricing power in Bristol kicks in with larger, family-sized accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bristol

RevPAN scales steadily with property size, from $49 for 1-bedrooms to $83 for 2-bedrooms and $107 for 3-bedrooms. The 3-bedroom segment delivers more than twice the revenue per available night of a 1-bedroom, making it the clear leader in revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bristol

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 40%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 28% and 1-bedrooms at just 23%. The higher occupancy for 2-bedroom units suggests consistent demand for mid-sized accommodations, while 3-bedrooms compensate for lower occupancy with substantially higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bristol

Monthly revenue climbs sharply with size: 1-bedrooms average $2,536, 2-bedrooms earn $5,213, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $7,855. The jump from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom represents a more than threefold increase, reinforcing the premium that larger properties capture in this coastal market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bristol

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue at $94,269, followed by 2-bedrooms at $62,560 and 1-bedrooms at $30,436. For investors evaluating return potential, the 3-bedroom segment offers the most compelling top-line revenue, though acquisition costs and seasonal vacancy should be factored into the full ROI picture.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bristol

Parking is universal across Bristol's listings at 100%, with kitchens (92%), outdoor furniture (90%), and patios or balconies (87%) rounding out the near-essentials. The prevalence of outdoor amenities like backyards (82%) and BBQ grills (67%) signals that guests expect a New England vacation experience with ample outdoor living space, while waterfront and beach access — present in 28% of listings — likely commands a meaningful premium.

Understanding Bristol's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Bristol's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices and occupancy consistency both rate above average. The score is tempered by below-average marks in market growth trend and supply/demand balance, largely driven by the 205% surge in new listings entering this small market. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow strategy to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bristol

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

Permit Requirements

Bristol, Rhode Island may require short-term rental registration or permitting through the town's zoning or planning department. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Bristol's municipal offices and the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Rhode Island communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, parking mandates, and noise ordinances. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, and local zoning may limit STR activity to certain districts or property types.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Rhode Island are typically required to collect and remit state sales tax and local hotel/room taxes on stays under 30 days. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bristol's short-term rental performance will likely remain anchored by its pronounced summer-through-fall peak season, with monthly revenues estimated to hold in the $6,700–$9,300 range from July through November. Occupancy may face some pressure given the 205% year-over-year growth in active listings, which could moderate ADR growth to a modest 1–3% range as new supply enters a small market. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months where revenue can dip below $2,200, making cash reserves or mid-term rental strategies important during the off-season. The overall demand trajectory remains positive, though growth metrics suggest the market is maturing and early-mover advantages may be narrowing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bristol, RI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bristol?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bristol is currently 28%, which falls below the Rhode Island state average of 50%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 40%, while 1-bedroom units average 23%. The lower overall figure reflects Bristol's seasonal demand patterns, with much of the booking activity concentrated in summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bristol?

Airbnb hosts in Bristol earn an average of $5,224 per month and approximately $62,698 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $30,436 annually, 2-bedrooms earn roughly $62,560, and 3-bedroom properties lead the market at about $94,269 per year. Peak months like August and October can push monthly earnings above $9,000.

Is Bristol a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bristol scores 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability, making it appealing for investors who can manage seasonal cash flow. However, below-average growth trends and recent supply increases (205% year-over-year listing growth) mean investors should carefully evaluate their entry timing and property type, with 3-bedroom homes offering the strongest revenue potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bristol is $281, significantly below the Rhode Island state average of $547. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $214, 2-bedrooms come in at $208, and 3-bedroom properties command a premium at $388. This pricing structure suggests that larger properties with more space and amenities capture significantly higher nightly rates in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bristol?

Short-term rentals operate in Bristol, RI, with 39 active listings currently on the platform. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and registration requirements can change, so prospective investors should check directly with Bristol's town offices and Rhode Island state authorities to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bristol?

Peak season in Bristol runs from July through November, with October leading the way at $9,302 in average monthly revenue, followed closely by August at $9,001. September and November also perform strongly at $6,822 and $7,692 respectively. The off-season stretches from February through April, when monthly revenues drop below $2,200 — a significant contrast that investors should factor into their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bristol?

Bristol currently has 39 active Airbnb listings. The supply breaks down evenly between 1-bedroom (12 listings) and 2-bedroom (12 listings) properties, with 3-bedroom units accounting for 9 listings. Notably, the market has seen 205% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating rising investor interest in this small coastal market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bristol?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bristol 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like October's $9,302 average) and slower periods (like April's $2,049). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how the listing is managed.

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 Bristol, RI and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local short-term rental regulations in Bristol, RI may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.