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

Scarborough Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Scarborough, ME stands out as a coastal Maine market with pronounced summer-driven revenue, where hosts can earn an average of $66,977 annually across just 36 active listings. With an average daily rate of $361 and above-average occupancy stability, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on peak-season demand while managing leaner winter months. The relatively small supply base suggests this is still an emerging STR market with room for well-positioned properties to gain traction.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Scarborough 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 Scarborough

Scarborough appeals to investors seeking a seasonal coastal market with strong summer earning power, above-average occupancy stability, and a small enough listing pool that well-managed properties can capture outsized demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 64 out of 100 — rated as an Attractive Opportunity — Scarborough presents a compelling but seasonal investment profile. The dramatic revenue swing from winter lows around $2,085 in January to summer highs of $12,624 in August means investors need to budget for significant off-season softness. That said, the market's small supply base, above-average occupancy stability, and healthy ADR of $361 create a foundation where the right property can generate meaningful returns. Larger homes in particular show standout performance, with 4-bedroom units delivering $228 RevPAN compared to the market average of $122."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Scarborough

Average revenue by month in Scarborough

Scarborough's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, with August ($12,624) and July ($11,584) delivering roughly six times the revenue of the slowest month, January ($2,085). Investors should expect the bulk of annual income to concentrate between June and September, making cash-flow planning for the off-season essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Scarborough

One-bedroom units lead supply with 11 of the 36 active listings, while 4-bedroom properties are the second-most common at 9 listings. Two-bedroom (5) and 3-bedroom (6) listings are comparatively underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition for mid-size properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Scarborough

ADR scales steeply with size in Scarborough — from $164 for 1-bedrooms up to $545 for 4-bedroom properties, a 3.3x premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($329) to 4-bedrooms ($545) is especially pronounced, suggesting strong willingness to pay for larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Scarborough

Four-bedroom listings dominate RevPAN at $228, more than triple the $68 earned by 1-bedroom units and well above the 2-bedroom ($100) and 3-bedroom ($74) tiers. This makes larger properties the clear leaders in revenue efficiency when occupancy and nightly rates are combined.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Scarborough

Occupancy is highest for 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings, both at 42%, while 3-bedroom properties trail at just 23%. The lower occupancy for 3-bedrooms despite moderate ADR suggests pricing or positioning challenges for that segment, while 4-bedrooms successfully balance high rates with consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Scarborough

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $9,076, outpacing 3-bedrooms ($6,942) and 2-bedrooms ($6,666) by a meaningful margin. One-bedroom units average just $2,604/month, making them significantly less lucrative on a per-property basis despite their higher representation in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Scarborough

Annual revenue ranges from $31,258 for 1-bedroom units to $108,920 for 4-bedroom properties, with the largest homes earning nearly 3.5 times more per year. Three-bedroom ($83,305) and 2-bedroom ($79,999) listings cluster closely together, suggesting that the biggest revenue leap comes from stepping up to 4-bedroom inventory.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Scarborough

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (97%) are nearly as ubiquitous — both are table stakes for Scarborough guests. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios, BBQ grills, backyards, and outdoor furniture each appear in 67% of listings, reflecting the coastal leisure character of the market, while beach access (44%) and pet-friendliness (36%) offer differentiation opportunities.

Understanding Scarborough's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Scarborough's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio relative to home values near $970,821. The below-average supply/demand balance — reflecting 110% year-over-year listing growth — is the main factor tempering the score, while market growth trend holds at average. Pairing this data with a thorough review of Scarborough's local STR regulations and a realistic seasonal revenue plan will give investors the most complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Scarborough

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

Permit Requirements

Scarborough, Maine may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local permit or registration before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Scarborough and the State of Maine, as rules can change and enforcement practices vary.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maine communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, parking mandates, noise ordinances, and safety inspections. Some neighborhoods or HOAs may impose additional rules or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any deed restrictions or association bylaws is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maine are generally subject to the state's lodging tax, and the Town of Scarborough may impose additional local fees. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Maine Revenue Service to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Scarborough's STR market is expected to maintain its strong summer seasonality, with peak-month revenues likely holding steady or growing by 1–3% as coastal Maine tourism continues to draw visitors. Occupancy stability rated above average suggests demand should remain resilient, though the below-average supply/demand balance hints that the 110% year-over-year listing growth could introduce modest competitive pressure. Investors entering now should plan for ADRs in the $350–$375 range market-wide, with winter occupancy likely staying in the low-to-mid 30s percent. Properties that differentiate through amenities like beach access or hot tubs may outperform as supply gradually expands."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Scarborough, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Scarborough?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Scarborough is currently 34%, which sits below the Maine state average of 55%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — occupancy surges during the summer beach season and drops considerably in winter months. Among property sizes, 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units perform best at 42% occupancy each, while 3-bedroom listings average just 23%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Scarborough?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Scarborough earn approximately $5,581 per month and $66,977 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $31,258 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $108,920 per year. Peak summer months like July and August can generate over $11,000–$12,600 in a single month.

Is Scarborough a good market for Airbnb investment?

Scarborough earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 64 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though the supply/demand balance is currently below average due to recent listing growth. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for summer peak season tend to see the strongest returns, but should plan financially for quieter winter months.

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

The current average daily rate in Scarborough is $361, which falls slightly below the Maine state average of $415. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $164/night, 2-bedrooms come in at $286, 3-bedrooms at $329, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium at $545/night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Scarborough?

Short-term rentals do operate in Scarborough, ME, with 36 active Airbnb listings currently tracked. However, local regulations can change, and the Town of Scarborough or the State of Maine may require permits, registrations, or compliance with specific safety and zoning standards. Prospective investors should contact local authorities directly to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Scarborough?

Peak season in Scarborough runs from June through September, with revenue climbing sharply in the summer months. August is the highest-earning month at an average of $12,624, closely followed by July at $11,584. Revenue drops to its lowest point in January at around $2,085, making the seasonal swing roughly a 6x difference between the peak and trough months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Scarborough?

As of April 2026, there are 36 active Airbnb listings in Scarborough. The supply has grown 110% year-over-year, indicating this is a rapidly expanding but still relatively small market. One-bedroom units make up the largest segment with 11 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms with 9 listings, 3-bedrooms with 6, and 2-bedrooms with 5.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Scarborough?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Scarborough 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 into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a 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 Scarborough, ME
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Revenue and yield estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.