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

Brookline Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Brookline sits just outside Boston in one of the most desirable residential corridors in Massachusetts, and its short-term rental market reflects that premium positioning. With an average home value of $2,200,733 and annual STR revenue averaging $42,053, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight — but above-average occupancy stability and proximity to Boston's universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions keep demand consistent. The market is small at 98 active listings, which means well-positioned properties can capture outsized returns, particularly during summer and fall peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Brookline 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 Brookline

Brookline's tight-knit proximity to Boston's economic engines and educational institutions creates reliable, recurring demand that makes it worth evaluating despite high entry costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Brookline presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in lower-barrier markets. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $5,119 per month and stays elevated through October ($4,730), while winter months like January ($1,357) and February ($1,436) represent meaningful soft periods — creating a nearly 4:1 spread between peak and trough. This seasonality, combined with high property prices, means investors need to target property types and configurations that maximize the peak-season upside. Two-bedroom units look particularly compelling, combining solid occupancy (44%) with a $92 RevPAN and annual revenue potential near $64,837."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Brookline

Average revenue by month in Brookline

Revenue in Brookline follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking in July at $5,119 and bottoming out in January at $1,357 — a nearly 3.8x spread. The May-through-October stretch consistently delivers above-average months, with October ($4,730) standing out as a strong secondary peak likely tied to fall travel demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Brookline

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 37 listings, while studios and 2-bedrooms tie at 25 each. Larger properties are notably scarce — just 6 three-bedroom and 5 four-bedroom listings — which could signal a supply gap and opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Brookline

ADR scales steadily from $98 for studios to $373 for 4-bedroom properties, with the sharpest jump occurring between 2-bedrooms ($207) and 3-bedrooms ($348). That $141 premium for adding a third bedroom represents one of the strongest ADR step-ups in the market, though investors should weigh it against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Brookline

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $120, meaningfully outpacing both smaller units and the larger 4-bedroom category, which drops to $64 due to low occupancy. Two-bedroom listings offer a strong middle ground at $92 RevPAN, combining decent nightly rates with reliable bookings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Brookline

One-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 46%, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at 44%, making these sizes the most dependable for consistent bookings. Four-bedroom units lag significantly at just 17% occupancy, which despite their high ADR creates a cash-flow risk that investors should carefully model before committing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Brookline

Four-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $7,773, but their low occupancy makes that figure less predictable. Two-bedroom units at $5,403 per month and 3-bedrooms at $5,088 offer a more balanced revenue profile, while studios ($2,863) and 1-bedrooms ($2,582) trail substantially.

Average annual revenue by property size in Brookline

Annual revenue potential ranges from $30,986 for 1-bedroom listings up to $93,276 for 4-bedroom properties. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition cost and occupancy risk, 2-bedroom units at $64,837 annually offer arguably the most balanced profile in Brookline's current market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Brookline

Kitchens (89%), washers (86%), and dryers (83%) are near-universal in Brookline listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like comfort — likely driven by longer stays and visiting professionals. Self check-in (79%) and parking (70%) round out the top tier, while pet-friendliness (26%) remains a potential differentiator for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Brookline's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Brookline's ROI Score of 43 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band — a market where demand is real but high entry costs compress returns. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout factor here, suggesting reliable bookings once a property is operational, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average market growth trend mean investors will need to be disciplined about purchase price and property selection. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and careful deal analysis will be essential to finding properties that pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Brookline

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

Permit Requirements

Brookline, Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to register and obtain the appropriate permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Brookline and the Massachusetts state licensing authorities, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the area can include occupancy caps, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking limitations. Some properties may also fall under HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, and the town may impose caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state excise tax on short-term rentals, and the Town of Brookline may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Brookline's STR market is likely to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with summer months (June–August) continuing to anchor annual revenue and fall events pushing October into a secondary peak. ADR may see modest pressure given that the current $168 average already sits well below the $582 state average, suggesting limited room for aggressive rate increases — though operators of 2- and 3-bedroom properties may find incremental gains of 2–4% as demand from visiting families and relocating professionals holds steady. With active listings having grown 193% year-over-year, supply expansion bears watching; occupancy rates could soften slightly if new inventory outpaces demand growth. Investors should treat current revenue estimates as a baseline and factor in the possibility of tighter local regulation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Brookline, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brookline?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Brookline is currently 41%, which sits just below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units lead at 46%, while 4-bedroom properties trail at 17%. Investors targeting smaller units can expect more consistent bookings, though larger properties compensate with higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brookline?

Brookline Airbnb hosts earn an average of $3,504 per month, which works out to approximately $42,053 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies widely by property size — studios average around $34,365 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $93,276. Peak-season months like July can push monthly revenue above $5,100, whereas winter months may dip below $1,500.

Is Brookline a good market for Airbnb investment?

Brookline carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady demand driven by proximity to Boston, but high home values averaging $2,200,733 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source below-market deals or target high-performing property sizes like 2-bedroom units may find attractive returns, though this is not a market where generic properties will easily cash-flow.

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

The average daily rate in Brookline is $168, well below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $98 per night, while 4-bedroom listings command $373. This range gives investors flexibility to position their property at different price points depending on target guests and property configuration.

Are short-term rentals legal in Brookline?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Brookline, Massachusetts, though operators must comply with local registration requirements and applicable state regulations. Rules can include permit applications, safety inspections, and adherence to zoning restrictions. We strongly recommend checking directly with the Town of Brookline's planning or licensing departments for the most current requirements before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Brookline?

Peak season in Brookline runs from May through October, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $5,119. October is a notable secondary peak at $4,730, likely driven by fall foliage tourism and university-related travel. The slowest months are January ($1,357) and February ($1,436), creating a significant seasonal swing that investors should plan for when projecting annual cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Brookline?

Brookline currently has 98 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen substantial growth, with active listings increasing by 193% year-over-year. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 37 listings, followed by studios and 2-bedroom properties at 25 each, with only 11 listings at 3 bedrooms or larger — suggesting potential opportunity in the larger-property segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Brookline?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Brookline 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 performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Brookline, and overall 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 revenue per available night metrics
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property size distribution across active listings

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 trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Local short-term rental regulations in Brookline, MA may change; investors should verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing.