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

Wellfleet Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wellfleet, MA, is a classic Cape Cod vacation market where short-term rental revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months — August alone averages $17,389 per listing. With just 51 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $63,320 against home values averaging $1,384,408, the market rewards investors who can capture peak-season demand efficiently. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects above-average occupancy stability tempered by softer growth trends and a tighter supply/demand balance.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wellfleet 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 Wellfleet

Wellfleet appeals to investors seeking a premium Cape Cod vacation-rental market with concentrated summer demand and limited competition from a small listing pool.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wellfleet presents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity, best suited for buyers who are comfortable with a compressed revenue calendar. The gap between the peak month (August at $17,389) and the slowest months (January–February under $900) is dramatic, so cash reserves or a mortgage strategy that accounts for off-season lulls is essential. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, pulling in an estimated $87,643 annually — well above the market average — while keeping occupancy and ADR in a competitive range. With a revenue-to-price ratio rated average and listing growth running hot, this is a market where operational excellence and smart pricing during June through September will separate profitable investments from marginal ones."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wellfleet

Average revenue by month in Wellfleet

Revenue in Wellfleet follows a dramatic seasonal arc, peaking in August at $17,389 and bottoming out in February at just $834 — a spread of over $16,500. Roughly 54% of annual revenue is earned in July and August alone, making summer pricing and availability management the single biggest lever for investor returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wellfleet

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 19 of 51 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 12 and 4-bedrooms at 9. Two-bedroom units are the scarcest at just 7 listings, which may represent an opportunity given their relatively strong occupancy and RevPAN performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wellfleet

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $190 for 1-bedroom units to $536 for 4-bedroom homes — nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($284) to 3 bedrooms ($384) offers a compelling trade-off, as the $100 nightly increase comes with a property type that also leads the market in total revenue.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wellfleet

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $65, benefiting from the best occupancy rate in the market (23%). Three-bedrooms follow at $50, while 4-bedrooms ($47) and especially 1-bedrooms ($15) lag behind, suggesting that mid-sized properties strike the best balance between nightly rate and fill rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wellfleet

Occupancy varies significantly by size, with 2-bedroom properties leading at 23% — nearly triple the 8% rate for 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom (13%) and 4-bedroom (9%) listings fall in between, reinforcing that smaller configurations in this seasonal market struggle to fill nights outside the summer peak.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wellfleet

Three-bedroom listings are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $7,303, outpacing even 4-bedroom properties ($5,349) despite a lower nightly rate. One-bedroom units average just $1,831 per month, making them difficult to justify as standalone investments given Wellfleet's high property values.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wellfleet

At $87,643, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly 40% more annual revenue than the market average and roughly double what 2-bedroom units earn ($40,993). Four-bedroom homes bring in $64,196 annually — respectable but below their premium pricing would suggest — indicating that their lower occupancy rate limits overall yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wellfleet

Parking (96%) and a full kitchen (92%) are near-universal, reflecting the car-dependent, self-catering nature of a Cape Cod vacation. Outdoor living amenities like BBQ grills (78%), outdoor furniture (78%), patios (69%), and backyards (61%) dominate the list, signaling that guests expect a complete summer cottage experience — investors who deliver on these basics are simply meeting the table stakes.

Understanding Wellfleet's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Wellfleet's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine revenue potential but some headwinds to monitor. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive factor, while the revenue-to-price ratio is average and both market growth trend and supply/demand balance rate below average — the latter driven in part by rapid listing growth (162% YoY) against a finite visitor base. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear plan for maximizing the short but lucrative summer season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wellfleet

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property; investors should verify current requirements directly with the Wellfleet town clerk or building department, as Cape Cod communities have been actively updating their STR ordinances.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Massachusetts coastal towns can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count or septic capacity, minimum-stay requirements during peak season, noise and nuisance provisions, off-street parking mandates, and limitations imposed by homeowners' associations or condominium trusts. Some municipalities also cap the total number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability early in the purchase process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state lodging tax, and many Cape Cod towns impose an additional local excise tax on STR bookings. Platforms like Airbnb often collect these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Wellfleet's extreme seasonality — where July and August account for over half of annual revenue — is unlikely to shift meaningfully over the next 12–18 months, so investors should plan cash flow around a short but intense earning window. ADR may see modest pressure from the 162% year-over-year growth in active listings, though the market's small absolute supply (51 listings) means even a handful of new entrants can skew that figure. Occupancy in the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October will be the key lever for outperformance; properties that extend bookability into spring and fall could push annual revenue 5–10% above the market average. We estimate overall market-level revenue will remain in a similar range, with any gains driven more by pricing strategy than by organic demand growth."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wellfleet, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wellfleet?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wellfleet is currently 14%, which is well below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This reflects the market's extreme seasonality — most bookings are concentrated in the summer months, and many properties sit vacant through the winter. Two-bedroom listings lead with 23% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units average just 8%. Investors should evaluate occupancy in the context of Wellfleet's high nightly rates and compressed peak season rather than comparing directly to year-round urban markets.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wellfleet?

Airbnb hosts in Wellfleet earn an average of $5,276 per month and approximately $63,320 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation: hosts can expect over $16,000–$17,000 in revenue during July and August, while winter months may bring in under $1,000. Three-bedroom properties are the top earners, averaging $87,643 annually, making them the most lucrative configuration in this market.

Is Wellfleet a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wellfleet earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a revenue-to-price ratio rated as average, though growth trends and supply/demand balance score below average. It's a strong fit for investors who are comfortable with highly seasonal income and can maximize revenue during the June–September window. With average home values around $1,384,408, the upfront investment is significant, so careful financial modeling around peak-season earnings is important.

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

The average daily rate in Wellfleet is $356, which is below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $190 per night, 2-bedrooms hit $284, 3-bedrooms reach $384, and 4-bedroom properties command $536 per night. Despite the lower market-wide average compared to the state, Wellfleet's rates are competitive for a Cape Cod vacation destination with a small, seasonal inventory.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wellfleet?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wellfleet, MA, though operators may need to register with the town and comply with local regulations. Massachusetts state law requires STR operators to register and collect applicable lodging taxes. Regulations on Cape Cod have been evolving, so prospective investors should check directly with Wellfleet's town offices for the most current permit requirements, occupancy limits, and any zoning restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wellfleet?

Peak season in Wellfleet runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $17,389 in revenue per listing, followed closely by July at $16,098. June ($7,752) and September ($6,281) serve as strong shoulder months. The off-season runs roughly from November through March, when monthly revenue drops below $1,700. This sharp seasonality is typical of Cape Cod beach markets and means the bulk of annual income is earned in a roughly 90-day window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wellfleet?

Wellfleet currently has 51 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant year-over-year growth of 162% in active listings, though the absolute number remains small. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 19 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (12), 4-bedrooms (9), and 2-bedrooms (7). The relatively limited supply means new entrants can still carve out a position, but the rapid growth rate is worth monitoring.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wellfleet?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wellfleet 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 remainder up to 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 effectively the property 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, occupancy, and pricing for the Wellfleet market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue averages derived from trailing 12-month booking data across comparable listings
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment return context

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 current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or competitive dynamics. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.