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

Waltham Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waltham offers a compact but competitive short-term rental landscape just outside Boston, with 54 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $44,870 in annual revenue. The market's ADR of $222 sits well below the Massachusetts state average of $582, yet above-average occupancy stability and proximity to major employers and universities help sustain consistent demand. Investors should note that average home values of roughly $1.06 million mean deal sourcing and property selection are critical to achieving attractive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waltham short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Waltham

Waltham's blend of corporate, academic, and suburban demand near Boston creates a resilient guest base, though elevated home prices demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waltham presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are prepared to be selective. The ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects a competitive landscape where strong demand meets elevated property costs, so margins hinge on acquiring the right property at the right price. Seasonality is pronounced—revenue swings from around $1,625 in January to over $5,100 in July and August—meaning investors should budget for lean winter months while capitalizing on the robust May-through-October corridor. Three-bedroom units stand out as the top performers across nearly every metric, suggesting that larger properties offer the clearest path to solid returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waltham

Average revenue by month in Waltham

Revenue in Waltham follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in August at $5,166 and bottoming out in January at $1,625—a spread of more than $3,500. The strongest earning window spans May through October, with every month in that range topping $4,600, giving investors six months of premium performance to offset the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waltham

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of Waltham's supply at 23 listings, followed by 15 two-bedrooms and just 8 three-bedrooms. The limited three-bedroom inventory is notable given that size category's outsized revenue performance, potentially signaling an underserved niche for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waltham

ADR scales sharply with size in Waltham: one-bedrooms average $99 per night, two-bedrooms jump to $174, and three-bedrooms command $402—more than four times the smallest units. The steep premium on three-bedroom properties suggests strong demand from families or groups willing to pay significantly more for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waltham

Three-bedroom properties dominate RevPAN at $220 per available night, roughly six times the $36 earned by one-bedrooms and nearly five times the $47 for two-bedrooms. This dramatic gap reflects the combination of higher rates and stronger occupancy that makes three-bedroom units the clear efficiency leaders in the Waltham market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waltham

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 55%, well above one-bedrooms at 37% and two-bedrooms at a softer 27%. The two-bedroom category's notably low fill rate suggests either pricing misalignment or oversupply relative to demand, making it the riskiest size for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waltham

Monthly revenue climbs steeply with size: one-bedrooms average $1,573, two-bedrooms bring in $3,850, and three-bedrooms lead at $6,517. The jump from two to three bedrooms—an additional $2,667 per month—is especially compelling given there are fewer competing three-bedroom listings in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waltham

Three-bedroom properties generate an average of $78,212 annually, outpacing two-bedrooms ($46,202) by nearly 70% and one-bedrooms ($18,881) by more than four times. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue in Waltham, three-bedroom configurations offer the strongest return potential by a wide margin.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waltham

Parking tops the amenity list at 98%, reflecting the suburban, car-dependent nature of Waltham—it's essentially a requirement rather than a differentiator. Washer (94%), dryer (89%), kitchen (85%), and self check-in (83%) round out the near-universal offerings, while workspace at 74% signals meaningful demand from business travelers and remote workers.

Understanding Waltham's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Waltham's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, where demand is present but elevated property prices and growing competition require sharper deal selection. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability, while a below-average market growth trend and average revenue-to-price ratio temper overall expectations. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target high-performing property configurations—particularly three-bedrooms—to improve their odds of achieving strong returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waltham

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Waltham 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 Waltham's city clerk or inspectional services department, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Massachusetts STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA or condo association rules may further limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room excise tax on short-term rentals, and municipalities like Waltham may levy an additional local excise. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waltham's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal strength from May through October, when monthly revenues regularly exceed $4,600. ADR growth may remain modest given below-average market growth trends, with potential increases in the 1–3% range. Occupancy stability—rated above average—suggests that demand drivers like corporate travel and academic cycles should keep bookings relatively steady, though investors should plan conservatively for the softer winter months when revenue dips below $2,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waltham, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waltham?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Waltham is currently 37%, which trails the Massachusetts state average of 44%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size: three-bedroom units average 55%, while one-bedrooms sit at 37% and two-bedrooms at 27%. Investors targeting larger properties can expect meaningfully higher fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waltham?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Waltham earns approximately $3,739 per month or $44,870 per year. Earnings vary considerably by property size—three-bedroom listings average $6,517 per month ($78,212 annually), while one-bedroom units bring in about $1,573 per month ($18,881 annually). Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and how well hosts optimize for peak seasons.

Is Waltham a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waltham scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent demand tied to corporate and academic activity near Boston, but elevated home values (averaging about $1,059,533) mean the revenue-to-price ratio is average. Investors who source deals carefully and target higher-performing property sizes—particularly three-bedrooms—can find worthwhile returns, though this isn't a market where any property will perform well automatically.

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

The current average daily rate in Waltham is $222, notably lower than the $582 Massachusetts state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: one-bedroom units average $99, two-bedrooms come in at $174, and three-bedrooms command $402 per night. The state average is heavily influenced by premium coastal and downtown Boston markets, so Waltham's rates reflect its suburban positioning.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waltham?

Short-term rentals operate in Waltham, but hosts are generally required to register or obtain permits in compliance with Massachusetts state law and any local ordinances. Regulations can include occupancy limits, safety inspections, and tax registration. Prospective investors should check directly with Waltham's municipal offices and review any HOA or condo association restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waltham?

Peak season in Waltham runs from May through October, with average monthly revenues ranging from $4,649 to $5,166 during this stretch. October is particularly strong at $5,138, likely driven by fall foliage tourism and the academic calendar. The off-peak months of January and February see the lowest revenues, averaging around $1,625–$1,640, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between the best and slowest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waltham?

As of late April 2026, there are 54 active Airbnb listings in Waltham. The supply is dominated by smaller units—23 one-bedroom listings and 15 two-bedroom listings—with only 8 three-bedroom properties. This relatively small inventory means the market isn't saturated, but it also means fewer comparable properties to benchmark against.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waltham?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waltham 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 results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of late April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.