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

Medford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Medford, MA offers a compact short-term rental market with 66 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $34,467 per property. With an ADR of $160—well below the Massachusetts state average of $582—the market provides an accessible entry point, though average home values near $1.05 million and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors will need to source deals carefully. Proximity to Boston and strong occupancy stability make this a market worth watching for investors who can find the right property at the right price.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Medford 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 Medford

Medford appeals to investors seeking exposure to the Greater Boston rental market with above-average occupancy stability and growing short-term rental demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Medford presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing can make the difference between a mediocre and a rewarding investment. Revenue peaks strongly from May through October—August and October are the top earners at roughly $3,945–$3,968—while winter months like January and February dip below $1,300, creating meaningful seasonality that investors must plan around. The market's above-average occupancy stability is an encouraging signal, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means returns hinge on finding properties priced below the $1.05 million average or optimizing for larger bedroom counts that generate higher RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Medford

Average revenue by month in Medford

Medford exhibits strong seasonality, with peak revenue in August ($3,968) and October ($3,945) running more than three times higher than the January low of $1,251. Investors should expect a pronounced winter trough from December through February, making cash reserves or alternative income strategies important for year-round financial planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Medford

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 32 listings (nearly half the market), followed by 16 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom properties. The relatively limited supply of 3-bedroom listings, combined with their stronger revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert larger units.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Medford

ADR scales meaningfully with size: 1-bedroom listings average $105, 2-bedrooms command $187, and 3-bedroom properties reach $230 per night. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms represents a 78% premium, making the step-up in property size one of the most impactful levers for boosting nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Medford

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $83 per available night, more than double the $37 earned by 1-bedroom units and well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $51. This gap highlights that larger units not only charge more but also convert available nights into revenue more efficiently in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Medford

Occupancy rates are relatively close across sizes, with 3-bedroom units at 36% and 1-bedrooms at 35%, while 2-bedroom listings lag at 28%. The lower 2-bedroom occupancy suggests these mid-size units face stiffer competition or pricing challenges relative to the smaller and larger alternatives.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Medford

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,460, nearly 2.5 times the $1,805 generated by 1-bedroom units, with 2-bedrooms in between at $3,344. For investors targeting meaningful monthly cash flow, the data strongly favors larger configurations in Medford.

Average annual revenue by property size in Medford

Annual revenue ranges from $21,671 for 1-bedroom listings to $53,524 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms generating $40,136. Given average home values near $1.05 million, the 3-bedroom tier at $53,524 offers the most viable path to competitive gross yields, though investors should still model conservatively.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Medford

Parking (92%), kitchen access (91%), and self check-in (85%) are near-universal among Medford listings, reflecting a market oriented toward self-sufficient guests who may be driving from or to Boston. A dedicated workspace at 74% signals meaningful demand from remote workers and business travelers, while laundry amenities (67%) and backyard access (55%) round out the suburban appeal that differentiates Medford from urban Boston listings.

Understanding Medford's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Medford's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning strong demand exists but higher property prices compress returns. The above-average occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by home values averaging over $1 million—is the primary drag on the score. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal sourcing strategies that can close the gap between revenue potential and acquisition cost.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Medford

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Medford, Massachusetts may need to register with the city and obtain appropriate permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Medford and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Massachusetts STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to confirm availability before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room occupancy excise tax on short-term rentals, and municipalities like Medford may levy additional local taxes. Platforms such as Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Medford's STR market is expected to see continued demand driven by its location in the Greater Boston area, with occupancy rates likely holding steady in the 30–38% range. The 133% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress per-listing revenue unless demand keeps pace. ADR may see modest gains of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, but investors should budget conservatively and account for the pronounced winter slowdown when monthly revenue dips below $1,300."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Medford, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Medford?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Medford is currently 34%, which falls below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing best at 36% and 2-bedroom units trailing at 28%. While these rates are moderate, the market's above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent demand patterns that hosts can plan around.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Medford?

Airbnb hosts in Medford earn an average of $2,872 per month, which translates to approximately $34,467 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average $21,671 per year, 2-bedrooms bring in around $40,136, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $53,524 annually. Peak months like August and October can push monthly revenue near $4,000, while January and February typically fall below $1,300.

Is Medford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Medford earns an ROI score of 54 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and its proximity to Boston, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by average home values near $1.05 million—means investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing. Larger properties (3 bedrooms) offer the strongest returns, and investors who can acquire below-market or optimize operations have the best shot at solid yields.

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

The average daily rate in Medford is $160, significantly below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $105 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $187, and 3-bedroom units command $230. These rates reflect Medford's positioning as a more affordable alternative to downtown Boston accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Medford?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Massachusetts, though local regulations in Medford may require registration, permits, or compliance with specific rules. STR operators should check with the City of Medford for current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable HOA rules before listing a property. State-level room occupancy taxes also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Medford?

Peak season in Medford runs from May through October, with August ($3,968) and October ($3,945) generating the highest average monthly revenue. The summer and early fall months benefit from tourism, events, and university-related travel in the Greater Boston area. The off-season from November through February sees a significant drop, with January averaging just $1,251—roughly one-third of peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Medford?

Medford currently has 66 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen substantial growth with a 133% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in smaller units, with 32 one-bedroom listings making up nearly half the market, followed by 16 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Medford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Medford 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 Medford, MA
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.