Cape Elizabeth, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cape Elizabeth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cape Elizabeth, ME is a compact coastal market with just 15 active Airbnb listings and pronounced summer seasonality that drives peak-month revenues above $8,800. With an average annual revenue of $46,779 against home values averaging $1,421,839, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level — but above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance give the market an ROI score of 65 out of 100 ("Attractive Opportunity"). Investors drawn to Maine's southern coast will find limited competition and strong summer demand, though off-season income drops significantly.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cape Elizabeth 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 Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth appeals to investors seeking a low-competition coastal Maine market where above-average occupancy stability and tight supply create a defensible niche despite high property values.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cape Elizabeth presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who can tolerate deep seasonality. The market's strength is concentrated in the summer months — August alone averages $8,813, roughly six times January's $1,454 — so annual returns depend heavily on maximizing a four-to-five-month peak window. With above-average occupancy stability and a supply/demand balance that favors hosts, the 15-listing market offers a defensible position for well-run properties. That said, the average revenue-to-price ratio is just adequate, and below-average market growth trend means investors should approach this as a steady-income play rather than a rapid-appreciation bet."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cape Elizabeth

Average revenue by month in Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth displays extreme seasonality: August tops the chart at $8,813, while January bottoms out at just $1,454 — a 6× spread that underscores how critical the June-through-September window is for annual returns. Investors should budget for lean winter months and consider pricing strategies that extend shoulder-season bookings in May and October.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cape Elizabeth

Supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 5 listings each — and notably, no 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, or larger listings appear in the data. This gap could represent an opportunity for investors to differentiate with mid-size or larger configurations that aren't currently represented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cape Elizabeth

Three-bedroom listings command $341 per night compared to $183 for 1-bedroom units, representing an 86% premium. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the jump from 1 to 3 bedrooms nearly doubles the nightly rate, making larger properties potentially more efficient earners per dollar of daily income.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cape Elizabeth

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $106 versus $57 for 1-bedroom listings, meaning larger units generate roughly 86% more revenue per available night after factoring in occupancy. Since both property sizes share the same 31% occupancy rate, the RevPAN difference is driven entirely by the higher daily rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cape Elizabeth

Both 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties sit at 31% occupancy, suggesting demand scales proportionally across these sizes. This parity means investors choosing between property types can focus on revenue and cost differences rather than worrying about one size filling significantly more or fewer nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cape Elizabeth

Three-bedroom units average $4,398 per month compared to $3,811 for 1-bedroom listings — a $587 monthly gap that adds up to roughly $7,000 more per year. While the difference is meaningful, investors should weigh it against the substantially higher acquisition and maintenance costs of a larger property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cape Elizabeth

At $52,781 per year, 3-bedroom properties outpace 1-bedroom units ($45,735) by about 15%. Given Cape Elizabeth's elevated home values, investors should model whether that $7,046 annual premium justifies the additional purchase price and operating expenses associated with a larger property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cape Elizabeth

Parking is universal (100% of listings), and kitchens (93%), backyards (80%), and self check-in (80%) are near-standard — reflecting a market oriented toward family and leisure travelers who expect a comfortable, self-sufficient stay. Beach access appears in only 27% of listings, suggesting properties with direct coastal access could command a meaningful premium.

Understanding Cape Elizabeth'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

Cape Elizabeth's ROI Score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance that benefit hosts in this small market. The revenue-to-price ratio is average given elevated home values, and the below-average market growth trend signals that appreciation-based gains may be modest. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cape Elizabeth

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cape Elizabeth, Maine may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the town before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Cape Elizabeth town office and review Maine's statewide lodging regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maine communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking standards, and safety inspections. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so prospective buyers should review any deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Maine imposes a lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are typically required to collect and remit this tax — though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on the host's behalf. Investors should also confirm whether Cape Elizabeth levies any additional local fees or assessments on rental properties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Summer demand along Maine's southern coast should continue to anchor performance, with July and August likely generating the lion's share of annual income. Over the next 12–18 months, ADR could edge up modestly — perhaps 2–4% — given limited supply and steady coastal tourism interest, though occupancy may hover around 25–32% on an annualized basis due to the market's sharp seasonality. The 180% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could temper per-listing revenue if new supply outpaces demand gains. Investors should plan cash-flow models around a roughly 6:1 ratio between peak and off-peak monthly revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cape Elizabeth, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Elizabeth?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cape Elizabeth is currently 28%, compared to the Maine state average of 55%. This lower figure largely reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months see considerably higher booking rates, while the off-season pulls the annual average down. Both 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties share a similar occupancy rate of around 31%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cape Elizabeth?

On average, Cape Elizabeth Airbnb hosts earn approximately $3,898 per month and $46,779 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by season — August leads at $8,813, while January dips to around $1,454. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn more, averaging $52,781 annually, compared to $45,735 for one-bedroom units.

Is Cape Elizabeth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cape Elizabeth earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 65 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 15 active listings. However, property values average around $1.42 million, which means the revenue-to-price ratio is only average. Investors who can capitalize on the premium summer season and manage off-season costs effectively stand to do well here.

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

The current average daily rate in Cape Elizabeth is $301, which is below the Maine state average of $415. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $183 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $341. The coastal setting and summer demand help sustain these rates during peak months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cape Elizabeth?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cape Elizabeth, ME, with 15 active listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and hosts may need specific permits or registrations. Investors should check directly with Cape Elizabeth town authorities and review Maine state lodging rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cape Elizabeth?

Peak season runs from June through September, with July and August standing out as the highest-earning months. August averages $8,813 in monthly revenue and July comes in at $8,091 — together these two months account for a significant share of annual income. Revenue tapers off sharply after October and stays low through the winter months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cape Elizabeth?

As of late April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Cape Elizabeth. The market has seen 180% year-over-year growth in listings, though the total count remains small. Current supply is split evenly between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 5 listings in each category.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cape Elizabeth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cape Elizabeth 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 remainder 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 how effectively 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 Cape Elizabeth and surrounding markets
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate (ADR) trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue estimates
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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 market conditions may have shifted since the most recent collection period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Cape Elizabeth town authorities and the State of Maine.