New Bedford, MA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

New Bedford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

New Bedford, MA presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 68 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends. With just 29 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $31,902 against home values of $516,652, the market offers a manageable entry point for investors looking at a coastal Massachusetts destination. Strong summer seasonality — with July revenue peaking at $5,718 — underscores the draw of this historic waterfront city, while relatively low competition creates room for well-positioned properties to capture meaningful share.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the New Bedford 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 New Bedford

New Bedford's combination of affordable home values relative to the Massachusetts average, limited STR competition, and strong seasonal demand makes it a compelling market for investors seeking coastal New England exposure.

Expert Market Assessment

"New Bedford earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting a balanced mix of healthy demand, reasonable property costs, and growing investor interest. The market's pronounced seasonality is worth noting: July and August drive the bulk of annual revenue, while the winter months contribute modestly — investors should build their financial models around this rhythm rather than assuming flat monthly income. With above-average occupancy stability and market growth working in its favor, this coastal Massachusetts market rewards operators who optimize for the summer surge while maintaining competitive pricing during quieter periods. The small listing count of 29 suggests the market hasn't yet reached saturation, leaving room for thoughtful new entrants."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in New Bedford

Average revenue by month in New Bedford

New Bedford exhibits strong seasonality, with July ($5,718) and August ($5,653) generating roughly six times the revenue of the slowest months — January ($953) and February ($911). Investors should expect the June-through-September window to carry the bulk of annual earnings, while the December-through-March stretch requires careful cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in New Bedford

Supply is relatively balanced across bedroom counts, with 1-bedrooms leading at 10 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 9 and 2-bedrooms at 7. The modest total of 29 listings across all sizes suggests there may be room for new entrants, particularly in the 2-bedroom segment where supply is thinnest.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in New Bedford

Two-bedroom listings command the highest ADR at $224, outpacing even 3-bedrooms ($191), while 1-bedroom units average $104. The premium for 2-bedrooms likely reflects a sweet spot in guest demand, making them worth evaluating closely despite the seemingly stronger top-line rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in New Bedford

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $72, followed by 2-bedrooms at $55 and 1-bedrooms at $42. This ranking reflects the 3-bedroom segment's ability to combine solid occupancy (38%) with competitive nightly rates, making it the most efficient revenue generator per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in New Bedford

One-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 41%, significantly ahead of 3-bedrooms (38%) and 2-bedrooms (25%). The notably lower occupancy for 2-bedroom units — despite their high ADR — suggests either pricing pressure or a mismatch between supply and demand in that segment, which investors should investigate further.

Average monthly revenue by property size in New Bedford

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $3,127, with 2-bedrooms close behind at $2,791 and 1-bedrooms trailing at $2,170. The $957 monthly gap between the highest and lowest earners illustrates the meaningful revenue uplift that comes with additional bedrooms in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in New Bedford

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom listings generate approximately $37,530, compared to $33,503 for 2-bedrooms and $26,043 for 1-bedrooms. Given average home values of $516,652, investors should model specific acquisition costs by bedroom count to determine which configuration delivers the strongest gross yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in New Bedford

Kitchens (93%), parking (86%), and self check-in (86%) are near-universal in New Bedford's listings, signaling these are baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like beach access (14%), waterfront (14%), and pet-friendliness (10%) are far less common and could serve as competitive advantages for properties that can offer them.

Understanding New Bedford's ROI Score: 68/100

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

New Bedford's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns well with property costs. Above-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend are the primary drivers, while revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average — suggesting solid fundamentals without runaway margins. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm the opportunity fits their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in New Bedford

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in New Bedford, Massachusetts may be required to register or obtain a permit from the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of New Bedford and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Massachusetts municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so investors should review all applicable covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, New Bedford's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by above-average market growth trends and an 86% year-over-year increase in active listings that signals rising investor confidence. Summer months should remain the primary revenue engine, with peak-season ADRs likely holding steady or ticking up 2–4% as demand outpaces the still-small supply base. Off-season months like January and February will likely remain soft (around $900–$1,000), so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Overall occupancy may settle in the 30–38% range annually, with upside potential for properties that differentiate through amenities and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in New Bedford, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in New Bedford?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in New Bedford is currently 33%, which falls below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. However, occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 41%, while 2-bedroom properties sit at 25%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a significant role, with summer months driving substantially higher booking rates than the winter period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in New Bedford?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in New Bedford earns approximately $2,658 per month, or $31,902 annually. Revenue varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging $3,127 per month ($37,530 annually) and 1-bedroom units averaging $2,170 per month ($26,043 annually). Peak summer months like July can generate over $5,700, while January and February typically bring in around $900–$950.

Is New Bedford a good market for Airbnb investment?

New Bedford scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends, paired with a relatively small supply of just 29 active listings. Home values of approximately $516,652 are well below the Massachusetts average, which helps the revenue-to-price equation. Investors should be prepared for significant seasonality, as summer months account for a large share of annual revenue.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in New Bedford is $184, compared to the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $104, 2-bedroom listings command $224, and 3-bedroom listings average $191. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects New Bedford's positioning as a more affordable coastal market.

Are short-term rentals legal in New Bedford?

Short-term rentals operate in New Bedford, MA, with 29 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. Massachusetts has a statewide framework for STR taxation and registration, and the City of New Bedford may have additional local permit or registration requirements. Prospective investors should check with the city's planning or licensing departments and review any applicable HOA rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in New Bedford?

Peak season in New Bedford runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $5,718, followed closely by August at $5,653. The shoulder months of May ($2,742) and September ($3,429) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($953) and February ($911), creating a roughly 6:1 ratio between peak and off-peak revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in New Bedford?

As of April 2026, there are 29 active Airbnb listings in New Bedford. The supply is split across 10 one-bedroom, 7 two-bedroom, and 9 three-bedroom properties. Notably, the market has seen 86% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in New Bedford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for New Bedford 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 for New Bedford and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking performance of comparable listings
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with city and state authorities before purchasing. Individual property performance will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.