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

Portsmouth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Portsmouth, Rhode Island sits at the intersection of coastal New England charm and seasonal short-term rental demand, with 38 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $54,391 in annual revenue. The market's average daily rate of $414 is well below the Rhode Island state average of $547, yet the pronounced summer peak—where monthly revenue surges past $10,000—creates a compelling window for investors willing to navigate a highly seasonal cycle. With average home values around $1,009,177, careful underwriting is essential, but the combination of above-average occupancy stability and waterfront appeal makes Portsmouth worth a closer look.

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

Investors are drawn to Portsmouth for its coastal location, strong summer rental premiums, and above-average occupancy stability relative to its property price tier.

Expert Market Assessment

"Portsmouth presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who can tolerate sharp seasonality. Revenue is heavily concentrated from May through September, with August alone accounting for roughly 20% of annual earnings—while winter months like January and February dip below $1,500. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects a market where revenue-to-price ratios are average and growth trends are softening, but occupancy stability remains a bright spot. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties stand to benefit most, as that segment delivers the highest annual revenue at $81,550 and the strongest RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Portsmouth

Average revenue by month in Portsmouth

Portsmouth exhibits extreme seasonality, with August peaking at $10,909 in average monthly revenue and February bottoming out at just $1,311—a nearly 8:1 spread. The prime earning window runs from May through September, which collectively accounts for the vast majority of annual income, making off-season cost management critical for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Portsmouth

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 15 of the 38 active listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (8) and 1-bedrooms (6). The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom units, combined with their superior revenue metrics, may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Portsmouth

ADR scales substantially with size, jumping from $197 for 1-bedroom units to $306 for 2-bedrooms and $466 for 3-bedrooms. The 3-bedroom premium of roughly $160 over 2-bedrooms suggests guests are willing to pay significantly more for larger accommodations, making the step-up in acquisition cost potentially worthwhile.

Average RevPAN by property size in Portsmouth

Three-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $99 per available night, far outpacing 2-bedrooms at $59 and 1-bedrooms at just $12. The dramatic gap between 1-bedroom and larger units indicates that smaller properties struggle to convert their availability into revenue in this seasonal market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Portsmouth

Occupancy rates remain modest across all sizes, with 3-bedrooms leading at 21%, 2-bedrooms at 19%, and 1-bedrooms lagging at just 6%. The low 1-bedroom occupancy suggests limited demand for smaller units outside peak season, while 2- and 3-bedroom properties offer somewhat more stable booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $6,795, roughly 66% more than 2-bedrooms ($4,088) and over four times the 1-bedroom average of $1,529. For investors seeking meaningful monthly cash flow, the data clearly favors larger configurations in Portsmouth.

Average annual revenue by property size in Portsmouth

Annual revenue climbs steeply with size: 1-bedroom units average $18,348, 2-bedrooms reach $49,064, and 3-bedroom properties top the market at $81,550. Given Portsmouth's high home values, the 3-bedroom segment offers the best potential for offsetting carrying costs through rental income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Portsmouth

Parking and a kitchen are universal at 100% of listings, while outdoor amenities like backyards (79%), patios (79%), and BBQ grills (71%) dominate the next tier—reflecting guest expectations for a quintessential New England coastal stay. Notably, 42% of listings offer waterfront or beach access, positioning these properties as premium options that likely command higher nightly rates.

Understanding Portsmouth's ROI Score: 59/100

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 59 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio. Growth trends and supply/demand balance both score below average, reflecting the 167% year-over-year increase in active listings that's intensifying competition in a small market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will be key to making a confident investment decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portsmouth

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

Permit Requirements

Portsmouth, Rhode Island may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Portsmouth and consult Rhode Island state regulations, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Rhode Island communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or neighborhood covenants may impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the total number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Rhode Island are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel or room tax on stays under 30 days. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.

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

"Seasonal demand patterns suggest that Portsmouth's summer months will continue to drive the bulk of annual revenue over the next 12–18 months, with July and August likely sustaining monthly averages near $10,000–$11,000. However, below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance scores indicate that new listings entering the market could pressure occupancy and rates. Investors should anticipate winter RevPAN remaining soft—estimates point to ADR holding steady or rising 1–3%, while annual occupancy may hover in the 17–20% range unless off-season marketing strategies are employed."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Portsmouth, RI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portsmouth?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Portsmouth is currently 18%, which falls below the Rhode Island state average of 50%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character—occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and drops off considerably in winter. Three-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 21% average occupancy, while 1-bedroom units average just 6%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Portsmouth?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Portsmouth earns approximately $54,391 per year, or about $4,532 per month. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $18,348 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $49,064, and 3-bedroom properties lead with roughly $81,550 per year. Summer months are the primary revenue driver, with August averaging $10,909.

Is Portsmouth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Portsmouth earns an ROI score of 59 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong summer demand, though below-average market growth trends and supply/demand balance temper the outlook. With average home values over $1 million, investors should carefully model cash flow around the pronounced seasonality—most revenue is earned between May and September.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Portsmouth is $414, which is below the Rhode Island state average of $547. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $197 per night, 2-bedrooms average $306, and 3-bedroom properties command approximately $466 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Portsmouth?

Short-term rentals do operate in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with 38 active listings currently on the market. However, local permitting requirements and restrictions may apply. Prospective hosts should check with the Town of Portsmouth for any registration, zoning, or licensing requirements before listing a property, and review Rhode Island state regulations as well.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Portsmouth?

Peak season in Portsmouth runs from June through August, with July and August being the highest-earning months at $10,621 and $10,909 in average monthly revenue respectively. Demand begins ramping up in May ($5,086) and tapers through September ($6,207) and October ($4,140). The off-season from November through March sees monthly revenue drop below $2,000, with February being the softest month at $1,311.

How many Airbnbs are there in Portsmouth?

As of April 2026, there are 38 active Airbnb listings in Portsmouth. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom properties (15 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (8 listings) and 1-bedrooms (6 listings). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 167%, which means competition is increasing in this relatively small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Portsmouth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures 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 aggregate the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, seasonal peaks and slower months are naturally reflected. 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 Portsmouth, RI
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Popular amenity distribution across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.