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

Chatham Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chatham, MA is a classic Cape Cod vacation destination where short-term rentals command premium nightly rates — an average daily rate of $450 — driven almost entirely by intense summer demand. With just 64 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $82,048, the market rewards hosts who can capture peak-season bookings in July and August, when monthly revenue tops $20,000. High home values averaging $2,685,776 mean investors need to weigh strong seasonal cash flow against significant upfront capital.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chatham 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 Chatham

Investors consider Chatham for its premium Cape Cod location, strong summer pricing power, and above-average occupancy stability despite a highly seasonal demand curve.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chatham presents an attractive but highly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue spikes dramatically in the summer — August alone averages $22,532, while winter months like February dip to roughly $1,079 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for months of minimal income. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects solid fundamentals on the demand side, with above-average occupancy stability and adequate revenue relative to property prices, but a below-average supply/demand balance signals that listing growth could outpace demand growth if the trend continues. Investors who price competitively and differentiate through quality amenities are best positioned to capture the lion's share of summer bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chatham

Average revenue by month in Chatham

Chatham's seasonality is extreme: August is the revenue peak at $22,532 per listing, roughly 21 times higher than the February low of $1,079. Virtually all meaningful income is earned between May and September, making cash-reserve planning essential for the seven off-peak months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chatham

Three-bedroom properties dominate Chatham's supply with 22 of 64 total listings, while 5-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 5 listings. The limited supply of larger properties — combined with their outsized revenue potential — may represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chatham

ADR scales steeply with size in Chatham, from $223 for 1-bedroom units up to $862 for 5-bedroom homes. The jump from 4-bedrooms ($524) to 5-bedrooms ($862) is particularly notable, suggesting a significant premium for properties that can accommodate larger groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chatham

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $108, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at $81 and 3-bedrooms at $80. Four-bedroom units lag considerably at $43, indicating that their higher ADR doesn't fully compensate for their low 8% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chatham

Smaller units stay fuller in Chatham — 1-bedrooms lead at 36% occupancy, while 4-bedroom properties sit at just 8%. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency may lean toward smaller properties, though the trade-off is significantly lower nightly rates and total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chatham

Five-bedroom homes are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $13,142, nearly doubling the next closest tier (3-bedrooms at $7,245). One-bedroom units trail significantly at $1,974 per month, reflecting both their lower ADR and the overall seasonal compression of the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chatham

Annual revenue tops out at $157,706 for 5-bedroom properties, making them the most compelling size for gross income. Three-bedroom listings generate roughly $86,947 and represent the sweet spot of supply and earnings, while 1-bedrooms at $23,697 are better suited as supplemental income plays.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chatham

Parking (97%) and full kitchens (95%) are near-universal in Chatham, reflecting the self-sufficient, family-vacation nature of Cape Cod stays. Outdoor features like backyards (69%), patios (69%), and BBQ grills (67%) are also highly prevalent, while beach access at 33% and beachfront at 11% offer meaningful differentiation for properties that have them.

Understanding Chatham's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Chatham's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong seasonal revenue and above-average occupancy stability are counterbalanced by elevated home prices and a supply/demand balance rated below average. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both sit at average levels, meaning returns are achievable but not outsized relative to the capital required. Investors should pair this score with thorough research into Chatham's local STR regulations and a realistic assessment of how concentrated summer income will cover year-round carrying costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chatham

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chatham, Massachusetts may be required to register with the town and obtain a local STR permit or license. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Chatham's municipal offices and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Cape Cod communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some neighborhoods may have caps on the number of rental permits issued — so it's important to research the specific rules that apply to any prospective property.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state room occupancy tax, and local communities like Chatham may impose additional excise taxes on STR bookings. Major booking platforms typically handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm compliance with both state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chatham's deeply seasonal pattern is expected to persist, with the bulk of annual income concentrated between June and September. Occupancy stability is rated above average, suggesting reliable repeat demand from vacationers, though the 20% average occupancy rate reflects the reality of a market that essentially hibernates in winter. Investors can anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as Cape Cod's limited housing supply constrains new listings, though the 125% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition that could temper gains."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chatham, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chatham?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Chatham is currently 20%, which is below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This reflects Chatham's intensely seasonal market — properties fill up during the summer months but see very low demand in winter. Smaller properties tend to stay fuller, with 1-bedroom units averaging 36% occupancy, while larger homes like 4-bedrooms average around 8%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chatham?

Airbnb hosts in Chatham earn an average of $6,837 per month and approximately $82,048 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 5-bedroom homes lead with roughly $157,706 in annual revenue, while 1-bedroom units average about $23,697. The vast majority of annual income is concentrated in the June through September peak season.

Is Chatham a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chatham carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from Cape Cod's strong vacation demand, premium nightly rates averaging $450, and above-average occupancy stability. However, high average home values of $2,685,776 and a deeply seasonal demand pattern mean investors need to be comfortable with significant upfront costs and cash-flow variability throughout the year.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Chatham is $450, which is below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom units average $223, while 5-bedroom homes command $862 per night. These premium rates reflect the high-value, vacation-oriented nature of Cape Cod's rental market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chatham?

Short-term rentals operate in Chatham, MA, but hosts may need to obtain local permits or licenses and comply with Massachusetts state regulations. Restrictions can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and tax obligations. We recommend verifying current rules with the Town of Chatham and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chatham?

Peak season in Chatham runs from June through August, with July and August being the standout months. August leads with average revenue of $22,532, followed closely by July at $20,859. Revenue drops sharply in the fall — September averages $8,140 — and winter months like January and February see revenue below $1,200. This makes Chatham one of the more seasonally concentrated STR markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chatham?

As of April 2026, there are 64 active Airbnb listings in Chatham. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (22 listings), followed by 1-bedrooms (13) and 4-bedrooms (12). Notably, the number of active listings has grown 125% year-over-year, so the competitive landscape is changing quickly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chatham?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chatham are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Chatham market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns showing how performance varies across bedroom counts
• Amenity prevalence data showing the most common features among active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from the 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. 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 may change — always verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before investing.