South Portland, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Portland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Portland, ME presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with a market-level ROI score of 65 out of 100. With just 43 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $46,280, this compact coastal Maine market offers above-average occupancy stability and meaningful seasonal upside during the summer months. The relatively small supply base, combined with proximity to Portland's dining, arts, and waterfront attractions, creates room for well-positioned properties to capture outsized returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Portland 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 South Portland

Investors are drawn to South Portland for its limited supply, seasonal revenue peaks, strong occupancy stability, and its position as a gateway to one of New England's most popular coastal destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Portland represents a moderately strong investment opportunity with clear seasonal dynamics. Revenue swings dramatically from winter lows around $1,440 in January to an August peak of $8,721, so investors should plan cash reserves to cover off-season carrying costs. The market's 65/100 ROI score reflects a healthy balance of demand and revenue relative to property values, with two-bedroom units standing out as the strongest performers. For investors comfortable with a summer-weighted revenue curve and a manageable competitive landscape of just 43 listings, this market merits serious consideration."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Portland

Average revenue by month in South Portland

South Portland's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, peaking at $8,721 in August and bottoming out at $1,440 in January — a spread of more than 6x. The summer months of June through September account for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning during the November–March off-season critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Portland

The market's 43 active listings are concentrated in one-bedroom units (22 listings) and two-bedroom units (11 listings), with no larger property sizes represented in the data. This limited supply of larger units could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer three-bedroom or family-sized accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Portland

ADR roughly doubles from one-bedroom listings at $132 per night to two-bedroom properties at $270 per night. The premium for a second bedroom is substantial, suggesting that the incremental acquisition or renovation cost for a two-bedroom unit is likely well justified by the rate increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Portland

Two-bedroom properties deliver $144 in RevPAN compared to just $40 for one-bedroom units, a 3.6x difference driven by both higher rates and significantly better occupancy. This makes two-bedroom configurations the clear efficiency leader in South Portland's STR market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Portland

Two-bedroom listings maintain a 53% occupancy rate, which exceeds the market average and the state benchmark, while one-bedroom units lag at 31%. The occupancy gap suggests that guests visiting South Portland prefer the extra space, and one-bedroom operators may face more difficulty maintaining consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Portland

Two-bedroom properties earn an average of $5,555 per month, more than double the $2,570 generated by one-bedroom listings. This revenue gap underscores the outsized return potential of two-bedroom units in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Portland

At $66,660 in average annual revenue, two-bedroom properties offer the strongest return potential and represent the most compelling configuration for investors in South Portland. One-bedroom units, at $30,851 annually, may still work for investors with lower acquisition costs or those targeting long-term appreciation alongside modest rental income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Portland

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (91%) and self check-in (84%) are near-standard — signaling that guests in South Portland expect a self-sufficient, car-friendly stay. Outdoor amenities like backyards (70%), patios (61%), and BBQ grills (54%) are common differentiators, while premium features like hot tubs (9%) and waterfront access (9%) remain rare and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding South Portland's ROI Score: 65/100

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

South Portland's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, supported by above-average occupancy stability and average marks for revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance. The score reflects a market where demand is solid enough to sustain reasonable returns, particularly for two-bedroom properties, though the seasonal revenue curve and rising listing counts warrant attention. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a property-specific financial analysis will give investors the clearest picture of potential returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Portland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in South Portland, Maine may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with South Portland's code enforcement or planning department and review any applicable state-level registration processes in Maine.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like South Portland can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Maine are typically subject to a state lodging tax, and South Portland may impose additional local fees or assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm that all local obligations are met as well.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Portland's STR market is expected to benefit from continued summer tourism demand along the southern Maine coast, with peak-season monthly revenues likely remaining in the $5,000–$8,700 range. The 131% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could moderate occupancy rates slightly, though the market's above-average occupancy stability suggests demand is keeping pace. Investors acquiring two-bedroom properties may see annual revenues in the $60,000–$70,000 range, while ADR increases of 2–4% are plausible given Maine's growing appeal as a vacation destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Portland, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Portland?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Portland is currently 38%, which falls below the Maine state average of 55%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom units average 53% occupancy, while one-bedroom listings come in around 31%. Seasonal demand during summer months pushes occupancy considerably higher for well-priced and well-reviewed properties.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Portland?

On average, Airbnb hosts in South Portland earn approximately $3,856 per month and $46,280 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Two-bedroom properties significantly outperform, averaging $5,555 per month ($66,660 annually), while one-bedroom units bring in roughly $2,570 per month ($30,851 annually). Peak summer months like July and August can generate $8,000+ in a single month.

Is South Portland a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Portland earns an ROI score of 65 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 given average home values of $691,608. With only 43 active listings, competition is limited, though investors should account for strong seasonality and plan for lower winter income.

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

The average daily rate in South Portland is $204, which is well below the Maine state average of $415. ADR varies by property size: one-bedroom listings average $132 per night, while two-bedroom properties command $270 per night. The lower ADR compared to the state average reflects the market's mix of smaller properties and its positioning relative to premium coastal resort areas.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Portland?

Short-term rentals are permitted in South Portland, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, registration, and zoning requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should consult South Portland's city offices and review Maine state requirements before listing a property. Checking for any HOA or neighborhood-specific restrictions is also recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Portland?

Peak season in South Portland runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $8,721 in revenue. July is a close second at $8,005. The off-season spans roughly November through March, when monthly revenues drop to $1,440–$2,286. This pronounced seasonality is typical for coastal Maine markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Portland?

As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in South Portland. The supply skews toward smaller properties, with 22 one-bedroom listings and 11 two-bedroom listings making up the bulk of the market. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 131%, indicating rising investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Portland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for South Portland are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, 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 South Portland and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 performance as of April 2026; market conditions, regulations, and competitive dynamics may have changed since the last update. Individual results will vary based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.