Ocean City, MD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ocean City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ocean City, MD is a classic beach-vacation market where short-term rental revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with August alone averaging $13,976 per listing. With 745 active Airbnb listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, the market offers attractive yield potential relative to its $652,029 average home value. Annual revenue averages $51,609 across all property types, though investors should note that the 22% average occupancy rate reflects the pronounced seasonality typical of a coastal resort destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ocean City 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 Ocean City

Ocean City attracts investor interest because its strong summer revenue and favorable revenue-to-price ratio can offset the seasonal occupancy dip that defines this beachfront market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ocean City presents an attractive opportunity for investors who can tolerate — and plan around — extreme seasonality. Revenue swings from roughly $700 in January to nearly $14,000 in August, making this one of the more seasonal markets on the East Coast. The ROI score of 66 out of 100 reflects a healthy revenue-to-price ratio but flags below-average occupancy stability, which is expected for a summer beach destination. Investors who optimize pricing for the June-through-September peak and manage expenses carefully during the off-season stand to benefit from strong annual returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ocean City

Average revenue by month in Ocean City

Revenue in Ocean City follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking in August at $13,976 and bottoming out in January at just $707 — nearly a 20x spread. June through August account for the vast majority of annual income, making summer optimization critical for any investor in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ocean City

Two-bedroom units dominate supply with 293 listings (39% of the market), while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties each account for roughly 177 listings. Larger homes with 4+ bedrooms are relatively scarce at just 65 combined listings, which could signal reduced competition and opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ocean City

ADR scales sharply with size in Ocean City, from $135 for studios to $762 for 6+ bedroom homes. The steepest jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($339) and 6+ bedroom ($762) properties, suggesting that large group-friendly homes command a significant premium in this vacation market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ocean City

RevPAN tells a nuanced story: 6+ bedroom properties lead decisively at $193 per available night, while 4-bedrooms come in second at $71. Interestingly, studios outperform 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units on a RevPAN basis ($50 vs. $33–$45), likely thanks to their higher occupancy rates offsetting lower nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ocean City

Studios lead occupancy at 38%, well above the market average, while 5-bedroom properties sit lowest at 14%. Most mid-sized configurations (1–3 bedrooms) cluster between 17% and 23%, reflecting the seasonal nature of the market where even popular sizes sit vacant for much of the off-season.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ocean City

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with size, from $2,991 for 1-bedroom units to $16,611 for 6+ bedroom homes. Studios punch above their weight at $4,219 per month, actually outperforming 1- and 2-bedroom listings — a useful data point for investors considering smaller, lower-cost entry points.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ocean City

Annual revenue ranges from $35,892 for 1-bedroom listings to $199,335 for 6+ bedroom properties, a nearly 6x difference. Four-bedroom homes generating $73,048 per year may offer the strongest balance of revenue potential and acquisition feasibility for most investors, given the limited supply and manageable price points relative to the largest homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ocean City

Kitchens (99%) and parking (96%) are essentially table stakes in Ocean City, while washer/dryer combos (88–90%) and patios or balconies (81%) round out the top tier. Pool access (55%) and beach access (41%) are strong differentiators that align with guest expectations in a beach resort market, and investors should prioritize properties with these features to remain competitive.

Understanding Ocean City's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Ocean City's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that indicates healthy earning potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability scores below average, which is expected for a seasonal beach market and should be factored into cash-flow planning. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and conservative off-season budgeting to get a complete picture of the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ocean City

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

Permit Requirements

Ocean City, Maryland may require short-term rental operators to obtain a rental license or business permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the Town of Ocean City and the State of Maryland, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal resort markets like Ocean City can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional limitations, especially in high-rise or resort-style buildings, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maryland are generally subject to state sales tax and local transient occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Maryland Comptroller's office and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ocean City's short-term rental market is expected to follow its established seasonal pattern, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between June and September. ADR may see modest growth in the 1–3% range as demand for Mid-Atlantic beach destinations remains steady, though occupancy is unlikely to shift dramatically given the market's inherent winter softness. Supply growth appears moderate — year-over-year listing counts held near 103% — suggesting the market isn't being flooded with new inventory. Investors should plan for strong summer cash flow offset by lean winter months when budgeting for debt service."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ocean City, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocean City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocean City is currently 22%, which is below the Maryland state average of 35%. This lower figure reflects the extreme seasonality of a beach resort market — occupancy surges during summer months and drops significantly in winter. Studios lead all property types at 38% occupancy, while larger homes tend to run lower given their higher nightly rates and more selective booking patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ocean City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ocean City earn approximately $4,300 per month or $51,609 per year based on trailing 12-month data. However, earnings vary dramatically by season and property size. Larger properties with 6+ bedrooms can generate up to $199,335 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $35,892. The summer months of June through August account for the lion's share of annual income.

Is Ocean City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ocean City scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning rental income is healthy relative to what you'll pay for a property. The main consideration is seasonality — occupancy stability is below average because demand is concentrated in the summer. Investors who budget conservatively for the off-season and capitalize on peak summer rates can generate solid returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ocean City is $212, compared to the Maryland state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $135 per night, 2-bedrooms run about $197, and 6+ bedroom properties command an impressive $762 per night. These rates reflect the beachfront vacation nature of the market, with larger homes catering to families and group travelers willing to pay a premium.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ocean City?

Short-term rentals operate in Ocean City, MD, with 745 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require a rental license, and there may be specific rules around occupancy limits, parking, and noise. Investors should verify current permit requirements and any restrictions with the Town of Ocean City and Maryland state authorities before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ocean City?

Peak season in Ocean City runs from June through August, with revenue reaching its highest point in August at an average of $13,976 per listing. July is nearly as strong at $13,180. The shoulder months of May ($3,954) and September ($4,661) also perform reasonably well. By contrast, winter months like January and December average only around $700–$710, illustrating just how seasonal this beach market is.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ocean City?

There are currently 745 active Airbnb listings in Ocean City as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom units (293 listings), followed by 1-bedroom (176) and 3-bedroom (177) properties. Larger homes with 4+ bedrooms make up a smaller share of the market, which may represent an opportunity for investors targeting the higher-revenue segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ocean City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ocean City 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 the Ocean City market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings

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 as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.