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

Cambridge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cambridge, MA draws consistent short-term rental demand thanks to its concentration of world-class universities, medical institutions, and a thriving tech corridor. With 428 active Airbnb listings averaging $39,869 in annual revenue and an average daily rate of $164, the market appeals to investors seeking exposure to a high-demand urban core — though elevated home values near $1.8 million mean deal sourcing requires precision. Occupancy sits at 43%, just under the state average, reflecting a competitive landscape where property selection and operational execution matter significantly.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cambridge 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 Cambridge

Cambridge attracts STR investors because of its deep, diversified demand base anchored by universities, hospitals, and a dense corporate ecosystem — though high entry costs and growing supply demand careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cambridge presents a competitive opportunity where demand fundamentals are strong but high property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio. The market scores 46 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, reflecting above-average occupancy stability offset by below-average revenue-to-price performance and tightening supply-demand dynamics as listing counts have surged 148% year over year. Seasonality is pronounced — peak months like August ($4,589) and October ($4,565) generate roughly three times the revenue of January ($1,446), so investors need reserves to weather the winter dip. For those who can source deals below market norms or target higher-earning 3–4 bedroom configurations, the underlying demand engine here is hard to replicate."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cambridge

Average revenue by month in Cambridge

Cambridge exhibits strong seasonality, with peak revenue in August ($4,589) and October ($4,565) running more than three times the January ($1,446) and February ($1,456) lows. Investors should expect a pronounced summer-through-fall earning window and plan cash reserves to cover the December–February trough.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cambridge

One-bedroom units dominate Cambridge's supply at 285 listings (67% of the market), while 3-bedroom and larger properties total just 56 listings combined. This supply gap at the upper end — where revenue per unit is significantly higher — may signal opportunity for investors willing to target larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cambridge

ADR scales steadily from $110 for 1-bedroom units to $333 for 5-bedroom homes, with studios commanding a notable $167 — above the 1-bedroom rate, likely reflecting niche demand or premium locations. The sharpest ADR jump occurs between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units ($110 to $246), suggesting the 2-bedroom tier offers the strongest pricing premium relative to the incremental bedroom cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cambridge

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $146, followed by 3-bedrooms at $131, indicating that larger properties convert their ADR advantage into real per-night earnings. Five-bedroom units are the notable outlier at just $57 RevPAN, dragged down by their 17% occupancy rate, suggesting demand struggles to fill the largest homes consistently.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cambridge

Studios lead occupancy at 52%, with 1-bedroom (43%), 3-bedroom (45%), and 4-bedroom (45%) units clustering in a tight band. The dramatic drop-off to 17% for 5-bedroom listings underscores a demand ceiling for the largest properties in this market, making them a riskier bet for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cambridge

Four-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $8,718, nearly four times the $2,301 earned by 1-bedroom units, which make up the bulk of Cambridge's supply. Even 2-bedroom listings at $5,404 per month more than double the 1-bedroom figure, reinforcing that upsizing beyond the market's dominant unit type can meaningfully improve revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cambridge

At $104,619 annually, 4-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue in Cambridge — nearly 3.8 times the $27,618 that 1-bedroom listings produce. Three-bedroom units at $77,124 per year represent a compelling middle ground, offering strong revenue with a lower acquisition bar than the largest homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cambridge

Workspace (78%), kitchen (76%), and self check-in (76%) top Cambridge's amenity list, reflecting a guest base that skews toward business travelers, academics, and extended-stay visitors who expect a functional, independent experience. Laundry amenities (washer 72%, dryer 70%) and parking (66%) round out the essentials, while outdoor features like patios (24%) and backyards (19%) remain differentiators rather than table stakes.

Understanding Cambridge's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Cambridge's ROI Score of 46 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band — a market where demand is real but higher property prices and growing competition narrow the path to strong returns. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive factor, while the revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all score below average, largely reflecting $1.8M median home values and a 148% surge in active listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, higher-RevPAN property types to improve their odds of outperforming the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cambridge

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

Permit Requirements

Cambridge, Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to register with the city and obtain the appropriate STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements and any owner-occupancy stipulations directly with the City of Cambridge's Inspectional Services Department.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Cambridge-area STR regulation include limits on the number of nights a unit may be rented per year, occupancy caps, noise and nuisance provisions, and requirements for safety inspections. HOA and condo association rules can impose additional constraints — particularly relevant given the prevalence of smaller units in the market — so investors should review governing documents before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room occupancy excise tax on short-term rentals, and Cambridge may levy an additional local excise. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and municipal tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cambridge's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand driven by academic calendars, corporate travel, and healthcare-related stays. Seasonal data suggests summer and early fall will continue to deliver peak revenue, with monthly averages potentially reaching $4,500–$4,600 during August and October, while winter months may settle closer to $1,400–$1,500. ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible given the market's institutional demand base, though the 148% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing competition that could moderate occupancy gains. Investors should plan for meaningful seasonal swings and budget accordingly for the January–February trough."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cambridge, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cambridge?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cambridge is currently 43%, which sits just below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. Occupancy varies notably by property size — studios lead at 52%, while 5-bedroom properties trail at just 17%. Mid-sized units (3–4 bedrooms) hold steady around 45%, making them a reliable option for investors seeking consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cambridge?

Airbnb hosts in Cambridge earn an average of $3,322 per month, or approximately $39,869 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $27,618 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $104,619 per year. Seasonal variation is substantial, with peak months like August generating over $4,500 and winter months closer to $1,450.

Is Cambridge a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cambridge offers a competitive STR investment opportunity with strong, diversified demand from universities, hospitals, and the tech sector. However, the market's ROI Score of 46 out of 100 reflects the challenge of high home values (averaging $1,818,188) relative to rental income, which compresses the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can identify well-priced properties — particularly in the 3–4 bedroom range where revenue is strongest — and manage seasonal cash-flow swings stand the best chance of generating attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cambridge is $164, which is well below the Massachusetts state average of $582 — a reflection of Cambridge's unit mix skewing heavily toward smaller 1-bedroom properties. ADR increases significantly with property size, ranging from $110 for 1-bedroom units up to $333 for 5-bedroom homes. Studios command a slight premium at $167, likely due to prime locations or unique niche appeal.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cambridge?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Cambridge, Massachusetts, though operators must comply with local registration and permitting requirements. The city has established regulations governing STR activity, and investors should consult the City of Cambridge directly to understand current rules around owner-occupancy requirements, rental caps, and safety inspections before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cambridge?

Peak season in Cambridge runs from May through October, with the strongest revenue months being August ($4,589), October ($4,565), and July ($4,547). This aligns with university events, summer tourism, and the fall conference season. The off-peak period spans November through February, when monthly revenue drops to roughly $1,450–$2,950, making it important for investors to budget for meaningful seasonal variation.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cambridge?

Cambridge currently has 428 active Airbnb listings. The market is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom units, which account for 285 of those listings (roughly 67% of total supply). Larger properties — 3 bedrooms and above — represent just 56 listings combined, suggesting potential opportunity in an underserved segment that delivers significantly higher per-unit revenue.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cambridge?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cambridge 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 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 Cambridge and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Individual results may vary significantly based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with Cambridge and Massachusetts authorities before purchasing.