Portsmouth, NH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Portsmouth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Portsmouth, NH is a compact coastal market with 54 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle that pushes monthly earnings from around $1,510 in January to over $10,800 in August. The market's average annual revenue sits at $56,229 against average home values of roughly $1.3 million, making property selection and sizing critical to achieving a viable return. Above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply/demand dynamic give Portsmouth an ROI score of 55 out of 100—categorized as an Attractive Opportunity—though the below-average growth trend signals that investors should focus on operational excellence rather than riding broad market tailwinds.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth

Portsmouth appeals to investors seeking a small, tourism-driven New England coastal market where above-average occupancy stability provides a dependable demand floor despite high property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Portsmouth presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for investors who can capitalize on the dramatic summer peak—August revenue of $10,822 is more than seven times the January figure of $1,510, underscoring how seasonal this market truly is. The small listing base and above-average occupancy stability work in an operator's favor, but the 148% year-over-year growth in active listings deserves close monitoring. With average home values near $1.3 million and average annual revenue at $56,229, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, and profitability will hinge on choosing the right property size and maintaining premium pricing during peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Portsmouth

Average revenue by month in Portsmouth

Portsmouth's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal: August leads at $10,822 while January bottoms out at $1,510, a spread of over 7x. The core summer window (June–August) accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning around the off-season essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Portsmouth

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply with 19 listings, followed by 16 two-bedroom properties. Studios, 3-bedrooms, and 4-bedrooms each have just 6 listings, suggesting that larger properties face less direct competition—a potential edge for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Portsmouth

ADR scales dramatically with size in Portsmouth, jumping from $191 for 1-bedrooms to $791 for 4-bedroom properties—a 4x premium. The steepest rate increase occurs between 3-bedrooms ($360) and 4-bedrooms, indicating that the largest units serve a premium guest segment willing to pay significantly more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Portsmouth

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $246, well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $111 and 3-bedrooms at $86. Studios and 1-bedrooms lag at $23 and $38 respectively, suggesting that smaller units struggle to convert their nightly rates into consistent per-night revenue after accounting for lower occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Portsmouth

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 44%, nearly double the market average of 28%, making them the most reliably booked size category. Studios trail at just 12%, and even 3-bedrooms sit at only 24%, highlighting that mid-sized units offer the most predictable booking volume for cash-flow-focused investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $2,854 for studios to $14,270 for 4-bedroom homes—roughly a 5x difference. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($6,725) to 4-bedrooms is particularly steep, reflecting the combined effect of premium ADR and solid 31% occupancy at the top end.

Average annual revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Four-bedroom properties are the clear revenue leaders at $171,241 annually, more than double the $80,707 earned by 3-bedroom units. For investors weighing return potential, the gap between 1-bedroom revenue ($41,040) and 2-bedroom revenue ($61,140) suggests that stepping up even one bedroom size can meaningfully improve the income profile.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Portsmouth

Self check-in and parking each appear in 96% of Portsmouth listings, signaling these are table-stakes amenities guests expect rather than differentiators. A workspace is offered by 63% of hosts—a nod to remote-work travelers—while premium features like hot tubs (2%) and waterfront access (9%) remain rare and could help listings stand out in a competitive market.

Understanding Portsmouth's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Portsmouth's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where healthy demand and occupancy stability offset a merely average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average growth trend. The above-average occupancy stability is a particular bright spot, indicating that guest demand holds up more consistently than in many comparable markets. Investors should pair this score with thorough due diligence on local regulations and property-specific underwriting, especially given the high average home values near $1.3 million.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portsmouth

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Portsmouth Planning Department or the city clerk's office, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New Hampshire STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and building safety standards. HOA covenants or condo association rules may also prohibit or limit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

New Hampshire imposes a Meals & Rooms Tax on short-term rentals, which hosts are typically required to collect and remit; platforms like Airbnb often handle this automatically but investors should confirm compliance. Local fees or registration charges may also apply, so consulting a tax professional familiar with New Hampshire STR obligations is advisable.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Portsmouth's strong summer seasonality is likely to persist, with July and August continuing to anchor the bulk of annual revenue. Occupancy stability is above average, which suggests demand has a dependable floor even outside peak months, though investors should plan for winter RevPAN dipping well below $40. ADR may see modest movement in the 1–3% range given the market's below-average growth trend, and new supply—listings grew 148% year-over-year—could pressure rates if it outpaces demand. Investors entering now should underwrite conservatively around current revenue levels rather than banking on meaningful appreciation in nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Portsmouth, NH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portsmouth?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Portsmouth is currently 28%, which falls below the New Hampshire state average of 49%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom units lead at 44%, while studios trail at just 12%. The market's above-average occupancy stability indicates that demand, while concentrated in summer, has a reliable baseline throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Portsmouth?

On a trailing 12-month basis, Airbnb hosts in Portsmouth earn an average of $4,685 per month, or roughly $56,229 per year. Revenue varies dramatically by property size: studios average about $34,251 annually, while 4-bedroom properties pull in approximately $171,241. Summer months dominate the income picture, with August alone averaging $10,822 in revenue.

Is Portsmouth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Portsmouth scores 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand, but the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values near $1.3 million. Investors who select larger properties and optimize for summer peak season stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns, though the below-average growth trend means patience and operational skill matter more here than in faster-growing markets.

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

The current average daily rate in Portsmouth is $308, slightly below the New Hampshire state average of $322. ADR scales steeply with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $191–$194 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $791 per night on average. This premium on larger units reflects strong group and family travel demand during summer months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Portsmouth?

Short-term rentals currently operate in Portsmouth, NH, though hosts may need to obtain local permits or register with the city. New Hampshire also requires compliance with the state's Meals & Rooms Tax. Regulations can evolve, so investors should verify the latest rules with the City of Portsmouth and consult a local real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Portsmouth?

Peak season in Portsmouth runs from June through August, with July and August being the standout months at $10,425 and $10,822 in average revenue, respectively. The shoulder months of May, September, and October also perform respectably, ranging from roughly $4,600 to $5,600. Winter is the clear off-season, with January revenue dipping to just $1,510—about one-seventh of the August peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Portsmouth?

As of April 2026, there are 54 active Airbnb listings in Portsmouth. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom (19 listings) and 2-bedroom (16 listings) units, while studios, 3-bedrooms, and 4-bedrooms each account for 6 listings. Notably, active listings grew 148% year-over-year, suggesting increasing investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Portsmouth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Portsmouth 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 roll the results up into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like summer and slower winter months. Individual host results can vary 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data drawn from 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026; actual market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permitting rules vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.