Portland, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Portland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Portland, ME stands out as one of New England's most compelling short-term rental markets, blending a vibrant food scene, waterfront charm, and strong summer tourism into a seasonal but rewarding investment landscape. With 365 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $49,127, the market offers attractive earning potential — particularly for larger properties that capitalize on peak summer demand. An ROI score of 73 out of 100 reflects healthy demand fundamentals and above-average occupancy stability, though investors should plan for a pronounced seasonal revenue swing between winter and summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Portland 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 Portland

Portland's combination of above-average occupancy stability, growing tourism demand, and premium nightly rates for larger properties makes it a compelling coastal market for STR investors seeking seasonal yield.

Expert Market Assessment

"Portland earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with its ROI score of 73, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends. The seasonal revenue curve is dramatic — August listings earn over $9,258 on average, roughly six times what January produces — so investors who plan cash flow around this cycle will be best positioned. Two- and three-bedroom properties hit a sweet spot between supply competition and revenue, while four-bedroom and larger homes deliver the highest absolute returns for those willing to take on higher acquisition costs. Overall, this is a market where disciplined operators with well-appointed properties can generate meaningful income, especially during the May-through-October corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Portland

Average revenue by month in Portland

Portland exhibits extreme seasonality, with August ($9,258) generating more than six times the revenue of January ($1,528). The lucrative corridor from June through September accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making summer optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Portland

One-bedroom listings dominate Portland's supply with 157 of 365 total listings, followed by two-bedrooms at 105. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) are notably scarce — just 26 combined — which could signal less competition and stronger pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Portland

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $124 for studios to $856 for six-plus-bedroom homes. The jump from two bedrooms ($237) to three bedrooms ($318) represents a strong premium relative to the incremental cost, while four-bedroom units at $440 offer a compelling rate for group-oriented stays.

Average RevPAN by property size in Portland

Revenue per available night scales significantly with size, from $51–$52 for studios and one-bedrooms up to $276 for six-plus-bedroom properties. Four-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $146, nearly triple that of one-bedrooms, suggesting larger units convert their higher ADR into meaningfully better daily yield even after accounting for occupancy gaps.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Portland

Studios lead with 42% occupancy, while one- and two-bedroom units each average 34% and three-bedrooms dip to 28%. The relatively narrow spread across most sizes (28–34%) means that revenue differences are driven more by nightly rate than by fill rates, giving larger properties a clear advantage.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Portland

Monthly revenue ranges from $3,061 for one-bedroom units to $18,110 for six-plus-bedroom properties, a nearly six-fold difference. Four-bedroom homes at $10,039 per month offer a strong middle ground for investors seeking high cash flow without the complexity of managing the largest listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Portland

Annual revenue potential jumps sharply at the larger end of the spectrum: four-bedroom listings average $120,477 and six-plus-bedroom homes reach $217,320, compared to $36,739 for one-bedrooms. Investors targeting higher absolute returns will find the best potential in three- to four-bedroom properties, which balance acquisition cost with revenue upside.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Portland

Parking (95%) and self check-in (88%) are near-universal expectations in Portland, while kitchens (84%) and workspaces (57%) round out the top tier — reflecting a guest base that values both convenience and the ability to cook and work remotely. Outdoor amenities like patios (41%) and backyards (34%) are moderately common, and pet-friendly listings (23%) represent a growing differentiator.

Understanding Portland's ROI Score: 73/100

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

Portland's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with solid fundamentals across multiple dimensions. Above-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend are the standout drivers, while revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average — expected given home values near $800K. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough due diligence on Portland's local STR regulations and property-level financial modeling to confirm the numbers work for their specific acquisition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portland

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

Permit Requirements

Portland, Maine requires short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or registration before listing their property. Investors should verify the latest requirements directly with the City of Portland's licensing office and the State of Maine, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Portland include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA and condo association rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maine are generally subject to state lodging tax and potentially local occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Maine Revenue Services to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Portland's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its strong seasonal pattern, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. Above-average market growth trends and occupancy stability suggest ADR could edge up 2–4% as the city's culinary and cultural tourism profile keeps expanding. Winter months will likely remain soft, with monthly revenues around $1,500–$2,200, so investors should budget conservatively for the off-season. Listing supply appears balanced relative to demand, though the 96% year-over-year listing retention rate signals a stable, competitive landscape rather than an oversaturated one."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Portland, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portland?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Portland, ME is currently 33%, which sits below the statewide average of 55%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature — summer months see significantly higher booking rates while winter occupancy drops considerably. Studios tend to perform best at 42% occupancy, while three-bedroom units average around 28%. Investors should factor this seasonality into their financial models.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Portland?

Airbnb hosts in Portland earn an average of $4,093 per month and approximately $49,127 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies dramatically by property size: one-bedroom units average about $36,739 annually, while four-bedroom properties bring in roughly $120,477 and six-plus-bedroom homes can reach $217,320. Peak summer months like July and August can yield $8,497 to $9,258 in a single month, underscoring the importance of maximizing bookings during peak season.

Is Portland a good market for Airbnb investment?

Portland scores 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, supported by the city's thriving tourism, dining, and arts scenes. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $799,588, larger properties can generate substantial income — four-bedroom homes average over $120,000 annually. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality, so investors need to plan for quieter winter months.

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

The average daily rate across all Portland Airbnb listings is $236, which is significantly lower than the Maine statewide average of $415. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $124 per night, two-bedrooms reach $237, and six-plus-bedroom properties command $856 per night. This pricing structure means investors targeting larger group-friendly homes can capture premium rates, particularly during the busy summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Portland?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Portland, Maine, though operators are generally required to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations from the city. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, among other provisions. Investors should check directly with the City of Portland and the State of Maine for the most current licensing requirements and any restrictions that may apply to their specific property type or neighborhood.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Portland?

Peak season in Portland runs from June through September, with July and August being the standout months. August delivers the highest average monthly revenue at $9,258, followed closely by July at $8,497. The shoulder months of May ($3,857) and October ($4,452) also perform well above the annual average. Winter is the clear off-season, with January through March averaging between $1,528 and $2,108 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Portland?

Portland currently has 365 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market is dominated by one-bedroom units (157 listings) and two-bedroom properties (105 listings), which together make up about 72% of total supply. Larger properties are less common — only 18 four-bedroom and 8 six-plus-bedroom listings are active — which may represent an opportunity for investors targeting underserved segments with higher revenue ceilings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Portland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Portland 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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, segmented by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers, combined 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 regulatory or market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.