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

Somerville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Somerville, MA sits just outside Boston and draws demand from a mix of university visitors, business travelers, and tourists exploring the greater metro area. With 186 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $205, and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue of $47,834 per listing, the market offers meaningful income potential — though high home values averaging $1,299,106 mean investors need to be strategic about property selection. Occupancy sits at 36%, below the Massachusetts state average of 44%, but above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent baseline demand even during quieter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Somerville 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 Somerville

Somerville attracts investor attention due to its proximity to Boston, steady baseline occupancy, and strong revenue potential from larger properties despite elevated acquisition costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Somerville presents a competitive opportunity where deal selection matters more than market-wide tailwinds. Revenue concentration in the May-through-October window is significant — August peaks near $5,507 while January bottoms out around $1,734, a roughly 3:1 spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The above-average occupancy stability factor is encouraging, suggesting that while overall occupancy is moderate at 36%, it doesn't swing wildly between seasons. Investors willing to target multi-bedroom properties and manage through the winter lull can find worthwhile returns, but the combination of below-average market growth trends and rising supply means passive approaches are unlikely to outperform."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Somerville

Average revenue by month in Somerville

Somerville shows strong seasonality, with revenue peaking in August at $5,507 and hitting its lowest point in January at $1,734 — a gap of more than $3,700. The high-earning corridor from May through October consistently exceeds $4,900/month, while winter months from December through February average under $2,000, making off-season cash reserves or pricing strategies critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Somerville

One-bedroom listings dominate Somerville's supply at 87 of 186 total listings (47%), while 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties are comparatively scarce at just 15 and 8 listings respectively. The limited supply of larger homes, combined with their substantially higher revenue potential, could represent an opportunity for investors targeting group and family travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Somerville

ADR scales sharply with size in Somerville: 1-bedroom units average $104/night while 6+ bedroom homes command $665, more than six times the rate. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($274) to 4 bedrooms ($331) is modest compared to the leap to 6+ bedrooms, suggesting the premium-per-additional-bedroom accelerates significantly at the top end of the market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Somerville

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $39 for 1-bedroom units to $248 for 6+ bedroom properties, reflecting both higher nightly rates and competitive occupancy at larger sizes. The 4-bedroom segment delivers $109 RevPAN — nearly triple the 1-bedroom figure — making it a strong middle-ground option for investors who want elevated returns without the complexity of managing very large homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Somerville

Occupancy rates across property sizes in Somerville are relatively compressed, ranging from 31% for 2-bedroom units to 39% for 3-bedroom listings. This narrow spread suggests that guest demand is fairly evenly distributed, and no single property size faces dramatically higher vacancy risk than others — though the 2-bedroom segment's lower occupancy is worth watching given it's the second-largest supply category.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Somerville

Monthly revenue differences across sizes are dramatic: 1-bedroom listings average $1,994/month while 6+ bedroom properties generate $25,728, a nearly 13x multiple. Even the step from 3-bedroom ($5,700) to 4-bedroom ($8,829) represents a meaningful 55% revenue increase, underscoring how each additional bedroom can translate to outsized income gains in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Somerville

Annual revenue ranges from $23,938 for 1-bedroom units to $308,747 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 4-bedroom properties at $105,959 representing a compelling sweet spot given their relative scarcity in the market. Investors evaluating returns against Somerville's average home value of $1,299,106 should focus on larger configurations where the revenue-to-price ratio is more favorable.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Somerville

Kitchens (88%), parking (80%), and dedicated workspaces (79%) top Somerville's amenity list, reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient, longer-staying guests — likely a mix of business travelers and visiting academics. Laundry access (washer and dryer at 70% each) and self check-in (69%) are also near-standard, signaling that any listing lacking these basics will face a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Somerville's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Somerville's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand but requires careful deal sourcing to pencil out. The average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability are balanced against below-average scores in market growth trend and supply/demand balance — the 211% year-over-year listing growth is a key factor putting pressure on the competitive landscape. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-bedroom-count properties where revenue significantly outpaces the market average will be essential for investors looking to succeed here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Somerville

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts generally require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Somerville's Inspectional Services Department, as local rules can change and may involve annual renewals.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Somerville can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking stipulations, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA and condo association rules may also prohibit or limit short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state room occupancy taxes, and Somerville may impose a local excise tax on top of that. Platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and municipal requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Somerville's short-term rental market is likely to remain competitive rather than explosive. The 211% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if supply outpaces demand. Seasonal patterns suggest summer and early fall will continue to drive the bulk of revenue, with monthly earnings potentially reaching the $5,000–$5,500 range during peak periods. Investors should anticipate flat to modest ADR adjustments in the 1–3% range and plan around the pronounced winter dip when revenue drops below $2,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Somerville, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Somerville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Somerville is currently 36%, which falls below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing best at 39% and 2-bedroom units sitting lower at 31%. Despite the moderate headline figure, Somerville's occupancy stability is rated above average, meaning demand tends to be relatively consistent rather than concentrated in narrow windows.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Somerville?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Somerville earns approximately $3,986 per month or $47,834 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $23,938 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $105,959, and 6+ bedroom homes can reach $308,747. Peak earning months are July and August, with average monthly revenue exceeding $5,400.

Is Somerville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Somerville scores a 49 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong proximity to Boston and above-average occupancy stability, but elevated home values averaging $1,299,106 and a below-average supply/demand balance mean investors need to be selective. Multi-bedroom properties tend to deliver the strongest returns, and pairing market data with thorough local regulatory research is essential before committing.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Somerville is $205, well below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $104 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $219, 3-bedrooms hit $274, and 4-bedroom properties command $331. Listings with 6 or more bedrooms average $665 per night, reflecting premium pricing for larger group accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Somerville?

Short-term rentals are subject to regulation in Somerville, MA. The city and the state of Massachusetts have frameworks governing STR operations that may require permits, registration, and tax collection. Specific rules can include occupancy limits, permit caps, and owner-occupancy requirements. Investors should consult directly with Somerville's local government and review any applicable HOA or condo association rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Somerville?

Peak season in Somerville runs from May through October, with the highest average monthly revenues occurring in August ($5,507), October ($5,477), and July ($5,458). The off-peak period spans November through March, bottoming out in January at $1,734. This roughly 3:1 spread between peak and off-peak months means investors should budget for significant seasonal revenue swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Somerville?

As of April 2026, there are 186 active Airbnb listings in Somerville. The supply is heavily weighted toward smaller properties: 1-bedroom units make up the largest share at 87 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (38), 3-bedrooms (32), 4-bedrooms (15), and 6+ bedrooms (8). The market has seen 211% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Somerville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Somerville 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 remainder 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 based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and operational management.

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 Somerville and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics drawn from trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue estimates by property size derived from historical comparable listing performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.