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

Nantucket Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nantucket commands some of the highest nightly rates in Massachusetts, with an average daily rate of $1,058—nearly double the state average of $582. The market's 168 active listings generate an average annual revenue of $184,956, driven largely by an intense summer season that pushes monthly earnings above $50,000 in August. While the 18% average occupancy rate reflects the island's sharp seasonality, the premium pricing during peak months creates meaningful revenue concentration that rewards well-positioned properties. A 96% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest in this iconic island destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Nantucket 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 Nantucket

Nantucket's extraordinary summer pricing power and constrained island supply create a unique STR opportunity for investors willing to navigate high property costs and pronounced seasonality.

Expert Market Assessment

"Nantucket presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity with an ROI score of 56 out of 100. The island's extreme seasonality—August revenue of $53,884 versus February's $1,478—means investors need strong reserves and pricing strategies to bridge the off-season. That said, the sheer magnitude of summer earnings, combined with an above-average growth trend and balanced supply-demand dynamics, positions this as a market where premium properties can deliver compelling gross returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (reflecting $5.95M average home values) is the primary headwind, making property selection and acquisition price critical to achieving positive cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Nantucket

Average revenue by month in Nantucket

Nantucket's seasonality is among the most extreme in any STR market—August leads at $53,884 while February bottoms out at just $1,478, a 36x spread between peak and trough. Roughly 77% of annual revenue is concentrated between May and September, making summer pricing strategy and occupancy maximization critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Nantucket

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 46 listings, closely followed by 4-bedrooms at 40, while 5-bedroom (13) and 6+ bedroom (16) homes are comparatively scarce. The limited supply of larger properties paired with their outsized revenue potential could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire premium-sized homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Nantucket

ADR climbs steadily from $481 for 1-bedroom listings to $1,806 for 5-bedroom properties, though 6+ bedrooms see a slight dip to $1,770. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($889) to 4 bedrooms ($1,307) represents the steepest per-bedroom premium increase, suggesting the 4-bedroom segment captures a meaningful pricing inflection point.

Average RevPAN by property size in Nantucket

Revenue per available night scales dramatically with size, from $85 for 1-bedroom units to $359 for 6+ bedroom homes—more than four times the RevPAN of the smallest properties. Five-bedroom listings also perform strongly at $293, indicating that larger properties convert their high ADRs into proportionally better per-night returns even with Nantucket's low overall occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Nantucket

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes, ranging narrowly from 15% (4 bedrooms) to 20% (6+ bedrooms), reflecting the island-wide seasonality pattern rather than size-specific demand differences. The slight edge for 6+ bedroom properties suggests group and family travelers booking larger homes may commit earlier and stay longer during peak season.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Nantucket

Monthly revenue ranges from $5,772 for 1-bedroom listings to a standout $40,784 for 6+ bedroom properties, which earn more than seven times what the smallest units generate. The gap between 4-bedroom ($15,347) and 5-bedroom ($22,379) homes is also notable, representing a 46% revenue jump that makes the larger configuration meaningfully more productive.

Average annual revenue by property size in Nantucket

At $489,412 per year, 6+ bedroom properties lead by a wide margin—nearly 2.7 times the $184,167 generated by 4-bedroom homes. For investors weighing return potential, 5-bedroom listings at $268,557 annually offer a compelling middle ground with strong revenue and relatively lower competition given only 13 active listings in that segment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Nantucket

Parking (94%), kitchen (92%), and laundry facilities (89% washer, 86% dryer) are near-universal, reflecting the baseline expectations of Nantucket's vacation rental guests. Outdoor amenities like patios (74%), BBQ grills (70%), and backyards (68%) are also prevalent, signaling that guests value outdoor living spaces—while differentiators like pools (13%) and hot tubs (7%) remain rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Nantucket's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Nantucket's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with strong summer revenue and above-average growth momentum tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by the island's exceptionally high home values. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, consistent with a seasonal destination where demand is healthy but concentrated. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and realistic off-season cash-flow modeling to determine whether Nantucket's premium pricing can overcome its elevated acquisition costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Nantucket

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

Permit Requirements

Nantucket, Massachusetts may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the town before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Nantucket and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as local STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in island and resort communities like Nantucket can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA and neighborhood deed restrictions are also worth investigating, particularly in historic districts, before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Massachusetts are generally subject to state room occupancy tax, and municipalities may impose a local excise tax on top of that. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with state and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Nantucket's above-average market growth trend, combined with its enduring appeal as a premier New England vacation destination, suggests continued demand strength over the next 12–18 months. Summer season ADRs could see incremental gains of 2–5% as the island's limited housing supply naturally constrains new inventory despite growing investor interest. Occupancy during the June-through-September window is expected to remain robust, though the off-season months of January through March will likely continue to see limited bookings. Investors should plan cash-flow strategies around the reality that roughly 75% of annual revenue is earned in a four-to-five-month window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Nantucket, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nantucket?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nantucket is currently 18%, which is well below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This lower figure reflects the island's intense seasonality—demand concentrates heavily in the summer months, and many listings see minimal bookings from late fall through early spring. Occupancy rates by property size range from 15% for 4-bedroom homes to 20% for 6+ bedroom properties.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Nantucket?

Airbnb hosts in Nantucket earn an average of $15,413 per month and $184,956 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $69,271 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes can bring in approximately $489,412 per year. The bulk of this income is earned during the peak summer months, with August alone averaging nearly $53,884.

Is Nantucket a good market for Airbnb investment?

Nantucket carries an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from extraordinary summer pricing power (ADR of $1,058), above-average growth trends, and naturally constrained supply on the island. However, the high average home value of $5,950,701 means the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, and sharp seasonality requires careful cash-flow planning. Investors who acquire properties at favorable prices and manage them effectively through the off-season can still achieve compelling returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Nantucket is $1,058, which is roughly 82% higher than the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales significantly with property size—1-bedroom listings average $481 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $1,806. This premium pricing reflects Nantucket's status as an exclusive island destination attracting affluent vacationers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Nantucket?

Short-term rentals operate in Nantucket, though hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Massachusetts has statewide STR regulations, and the Town of Nantucket may impose additional local requirements. We recommend verifying current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable restrictions directly with local government offices before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Nantucket?

Peak season in Nantucket runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $53,884 in revenue. July follows closely at $45,955, and both June and September average around $21,458. The off-season from November through March sees dramatically lower revenue, with February being the quietest month at just $1,478. This pronounced seasonality means most annual income is earned in a concentrated summer window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Nantucket?

There are currently 168 active Airbnb listings in Nantucket as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom homes making up the largest segment at 46 listings, followed by 4-bedroom properties at 40. Active listings have grown 96% year-over-year, signaling increasing investor activity in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Nantucket?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Nantucket 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 aggregate the results into 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 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, and rate data for the Nantucket market
• Revenue and yield metrics including ADR, RevPAN, and monthly/annual revenue by property size
• Seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 market conditions as of the dates listed; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax requirements change frequently; investors should independently verify all legal obligations before operating a short-term rental in Nantucket.