Salem, MA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Salem Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Salem, MA stands out as a compelling short-term rental market thanks to its strong cultural identity — most notably its historic ties and seasonal tourism that drive outsized demand during peak months. With an average annual revenue of $66,271 across 137 active listings and an ADR of $302 (well below the $582 state average), the market offers an accessible entry point relative to Massachusetts peers. An ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects above-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, though investors should be mindful of a supply-demand balance that currently lags.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Salem 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 Salem

Salem's blend of tourism-driven seasonal demand and relatively strong revenue relative to home values makes it an appealing market for investors seeking above-average yield in coastal New England.

Expert Market Assessment

"Salem earns an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation with its 61/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where revenue potential relative to property costs is genuinely above average. The seasonal revenue curve is dramatic — August peaks at $10,865 per month while February dips to just $1,793 — meaning profitability hinges on strong performance during the May-through-October window. The rapid 141% growth in active listings introduces competitive pressure, and the below-average supply/demand balance score suggests the market is absorbing new inventory. That said, operators who differentiate through amenities, pricing strategy, and guest experience should find Salem's tourism-driven demand more than sufficient to support healthy returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Salem

Average revenue by month in Salem

Salem exhibits extreme seasonality, with August ($10,865) and July ($10,412) generating roughly six times the revenue of the slowest months like February ($1,793) and January ($1,856). October stands out as a strong shoulder-season performer at $8,058, reflecting Salem's unique autumn tourism draw.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Salem

One-bedroom units dominate Salem's supply with 68 listings (nearly half the market), while 4-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 6 listings. The limited supply of larger homes — particularly 3- and 4-bedrooms — could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties in a market where they're underrepresented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Salem

Unusually, 1-bedroom listings command the highest ADR at $328, exceeding larger units that cluster around $254–$258. This inverted pricing dynamic suggests strong demand for compact, well-located accommodations — possibly driven by couples and solo travelers visiting Salem's historic attractions.

Average RevPAN by property size in Salem

One-bedroom units deliver the strongest RevPAN at $142, nearly double the $69 and $61 earned by 2- and 3-bedroom listings, while 4-bedrooms recover well at $125. Investors targeting maximum revenue efficiency per available night should take note of the 1-bedroom segment's clear outperformance.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Salem

Four-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 49%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 43%, while 2- and 3-bedroom units lag at 27% and 24% respectively. This bifurcation suggests that both the smallest and largest properties serve distinct, loyal demand segments — likely solo/couple travelers and group bookings — while mid-size units face stiffer competition.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Salem

Four-bedroom listings are the top monthly earners at $9,553, nearly doubling the roughly $5,000–$5,100 range for 1- and 2-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties land in between at $6,888/month, offering a middle-ground option for investors seeking higher revenue without the acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Salem

Annual revenue scales meaningfully with size: 4-bedroom listings generate $114,641 per year — nearly twice the $60,388 earned by 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on absolute return potential, the 4-bedroom segment offers the highest annual yield despite having just 6 active listings in the market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Salem

Parking dominates at 93% prevalence, signaling it's virtually a requirement for Salem listings rather than a differentiator. Self check-in (80%) and kitchen access (76%) round out the essentials, while amenities like pet-friendliness (19%) and beach access (9%) remain relatively rare — potentially offering a competitive edge for hosts who can provide them.

Understanding Salem's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Salem's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability — meaning hosts here tend to earn solid income relative to what they pay for properties. The market growth trend registers as average while the supply/demand balance falls below average, reflecting the rapid 141% increase in new listings that could put pressure on individual property performance. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy for navigating Salem's sharp seasonal swings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Salem

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Salem, Massachusetts may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing it on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Salem's city hall or licensing department, as STR regulations in Massachusetts municipalities can vary significantly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Salem can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions — especially relevant given that 93% of local listings already offer parking. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the number of STR permits issued, so prospective hosts should confirm availability before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Massachusetts are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should also be aware of potential community impact fees and should consult a tax professional to ensure full compliance with Salem's and Massachusetts' obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Salem's pronounced seasonality — with summer and October revenues running 4–6× winter levels — suggests that operators who optimize pricing during peak windows can meaningfully outperform market averages. We estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as demand continues to grow, though the 141% year-over-year increase in active listings signals that supply is expanding quickly and may temper occupancy gains. Expect occupancy to hover in the 33–38% range market-wide, with well-managed properties in the 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom categories likely to exceed that. Investors entering now should plan conservatively around slower winter months while capitalizing on the reliable summer and autumn surge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Salem, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Salem, MA is currently 35%, which falls below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size — 4-bedroom units lead at 49%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 43%. Two- and three-bedroom listings see lower occupancy at 27% and 24% respectively. Salem's strong seasonality means occupancy climbs considerably during summer and October before tapering in winter months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Salem?

Airbnb hosts in Salem earn an average of $5,522 per month and approximately $66,271 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 4-bedroom listings lead with an average of $9,553/month ($114,641/year), while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties earn around $5,032–$5,084/month. Peak months like July and August can generate over $10,000 in monthly revenue, while winter months like January and February typically drop below $2,000.

Is Salem a good market for Airbnb investment?

Salem scores 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, meaning hosts earn solid returns relative to property costs. The primary considerations are pronounced seasonality — with winter months generating a fraction of summer revenue — and a rapidly growing supply of listings (141% year-over-year growth). Investors who price strategically and manage seasonal fluctuations effectively can find Salem a rewarding market.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Salem is $302, which is notably lower than the Massachusetts state average of $582. Interestingly, 1-bedroom units command the highest ADR at $328, while 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom listings cluster around $254–$258. This suggests that smaller, well-positioned properties can command premium nightly rates in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Salem?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Salem, MA, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or registrations from the city. Massachusetts has statewide regulations governing short-term rentals, including tax collection requirements. We recommend checking with the City of Salem's licensing department and reviewing any applicable HOA or building restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Salem?

Peak season in Salem runs from June through October, with the highest revenue months being July ($10,412 average) and August ($10,865 average). October is a notable secondary peak at $8,058 — likely driven by Salem's famous Halloween tourism. The off-peak period spans November through March, with February being the slowest month at just $1,793 in average revenue. This gives Salem one of the more dramatic seasonal swings you'll find in a New England market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Salem?

As of April 2026, Salem has 137 active Airbnb listings. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 141% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 68 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (42), 3-bedrooms (15), and 4-bedrooms (6).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Salem?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Salem are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like Salem's strong summer and October periods) and slower winter months. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well 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 Salem, MA and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month performance
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue by property size
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.