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

Cambridge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cambridge, MD presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 74 out of 100, driven largely by a favorable revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values around $433,424 and annual revenue averaging $49,084, the market offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking waterfront and Eastern Shore charm. The average daily rate of $399 comfortably exceeds Maryland's $368 state average, though occupancy at 19% trails the 35% state benchmark — signaling a seasonal, leisure-driven market where peak months carry most of the revenue weight.

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 with its strong revenue-to-price ratio, waterfront appeal, and growing tourism interest along Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cambridge registers as an attractive opportunity with meaningful upside for investors who understand its seasonal rhythm. Revenue peaks sharply in September at $9,208 per listing, while winter months like February dip to just $842 — a tenfold spread that underscores the market's reliance on warm-weather and event-driven demand. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance suggest that careful property selection and dynamic pricing will be essential for maximizing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cambridge

Average revenue by month in Cambridge

Cambridge displays sharp seasonality, with September ($9,208) outperforming the weakest month, February ($842), by more than 10x. The core earning window spans May through September, and investors should expect winter months to contribute only modestly to annual totals.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cambridge

Three-bedroom properties lead supply with 28 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 24 — together accounting for roughly half the market. Larger configurations (5 and 6+ bedrooms) are relatively scarce at 12 and 6 listings respectively, potentially signaling less competition for investors targeting the high-revenue, group-stay segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cambridge

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $172 for 1-bedroom units to $879 for 5-bedroom homes, before dipping slightly to $859 for 6+ bedrooms. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($318) to 4 bedrooms ($531) represents the most significant pricing inflection, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for larger group accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cambridge

Revenue per available night rises steadily from $30 for 1-bedroom listings to $123 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom units close behind at $120. This consistent upward trend confirms that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also convert enough bookings to deliver meaningfully better per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cambridge

Occupancy peaks in the 2–3 bedroom range at 21–22%, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units sit at 18%, and 5+ bedroom properties average just 14%. The relatively modest spread across all sizes reflects the market's seasonal nature, but mid-size units offer the most consistent booking frequency for cash-flow-oriented investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cambridge

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with size — 6+ bedroom properties average $10,070 per month compared to just $1,551 for 1-bedroom units. The 5-bedroom tier at $9,180 per month is notably close to the 6+ bedroom category, suggesting diminishing marginal gains beyond five bedrooms that investors should weigh against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cambridge

Annual revenue ranges from $18,620 for 1-bedroom listings to $120,842 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes generating $110,163. For investors focused on maximizing total return, properties with 4 or more bedrooms offer the strongest revenue potential, though the revenue-to-acquisition-cost trade-off should be evaluated on a per-property basis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cambridge

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (95%) are near-universal expectations in Cambridge, while washer/dryer (81%) and backyard space (76%) round out the core amenity set. Notably, 39% of listings feature waterfront access and 20% offer lake access — these differentiators likely command rate premiums and signal the market's identity as a water-oriented destination.

Understanding Cambridge's ROI Score: 74/100

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 74 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive market growth trend. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average, reflecting the seasonal demand pattern and rapid listing growth that could temper per-listing performance over time. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and a conservative off-season cash-flow model to build a realistic investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cambridge

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cambridge, MD should verify whether a local permit or registration is required through Dorchester County and the City of Cambridge. Maryland does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements vary by jurisdiction — checking with local planning and zoning offices before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA or community covenant limitations. Investors should also inquire about any caps on the number of permits issued in specific zones, as some Maryland municipalities have begun implementing such measures.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in Maryland are typically subject to the state's 6% sales tax and any applicable local lodging or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Maryland Comptroller's office and local tax authorities.

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 is likely to see continued growth in listing supply given the 90% year-over-year increase in active listings. Seasonal demand should remain concentrated in the summer and early fall months, with September historically the strongest performer. ADR may hold steady or nudge up 1–3% as larger waterfront properties continue commanding premium rates, though occupancy could face mild downward pressure as new supply enters. Investors entering now should plan for significant revenue swings between peak and off-peak months and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cambridge, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cambridge?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cambridge, MD is currently 19%, which falls below the Maryland state average of 35%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — demand concentrates heavily in the warmer months and early fall, with quieter winters pulling down the annual average. Properties in the 2–3 bedroom range tend to perform slightly better at 21–22% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cambridge?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cambridge earn approximately $4,090 per month and $49,084 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $18,620 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate upward of $120,842 per year. Monthly earnings also swing dramatically with the seasons, from around $842 in February to over $9,200 in September.

Is Cambridge a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cambridge scores 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strongest asset is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning properties here can generate solid income relative to acquisition costs. However, occupancy stability is below average and the market is highly seasonal, so investors should plan for significant cash-flow variation throughout the year and consider larger properties that command premium rates.

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

The average daily rate in Cambridge is $399, which exceeds the Maryland state average of $368. ADR scales considerably with property size — 1-bedroom units average $172 per night, while 5-bedroom properties reach $879. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal for group getaways and waterfront stays.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cambridge?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Cambridge, MD, though operators should verify local permit or registration requirements with the City of Cambridge and Dorchester County. Regulations can change, so it's important to check current zoning rules, any HOA restrictions, and local licensing obligations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cambridge?

Peak season in Cambridge runs from late spring through early fall, with September standing out as the strongest month at an average of $9,208 in revenue. June and August also perform well at $7,323 and $6,688 respectively. The off-season stretches from December through March, when monthly revenue can drop below $1,700 — making it important for investors to capitalize on the peak months to sustain annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cambridge?

Cambridge currently has 104 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 90% year-over-year increase in listings. Supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom units (28 listings) and 1-bedroom units (24 listings) making up the largest shares.

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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from 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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.