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

Wells Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wells, Maine delivers a compelling case for short-term rental investors drawn to New England's coastal vacation market. With an average annual revenue of $91,618 and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, this small beach town punches above its weight relative to its $865,092 average home value. The market's extreme seasonality — peaking in July and August — rewards investors who price aggressively in summer while managing lean winter months, and the 88 active listings signal a market that hasn't been oversaturated.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wells 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 Wells

Wells attracts STR investors because its beachside location drives premium summer rates and strong revenue relative to property costs, despite a heavily seasonal demand pattern.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wells represents an attractive but distinctly seasonal opportunity. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects strong revenue-to-price fundamentals and stable occupancy patterns, tempered by below-average market growth trends and a shifting supply/demand balance as new listings enter the market. Summer is where the real money is made — August alone averages $21,353 in revenue, roughly ten times what January generates — so investors need to be comfortable with a feast-or-famine cash flow profile. Properties that are well-positioned for beach vacationers and priced to fill shoulder-season weekends in May, September, and October will have the strongest overall returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wells

Average revenue by month in Wells

Wells exhibits extreme seasonality, with August revenue ($21,353) roughly ten times that of January ($2,032). The summer core of June through August accounts for the lion's share of annual income, while a meaningful shoulder season in May, September, and October adds supplemental revenue — making it critical for investors to maximize pricing and availability during the roughly five-month earning window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wells

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 27 listings, followed by two-bedroom and four-bedroom units at 19 each. One-bedroom (8 listings) and five-bedroom (5 listings) segments are relatively underserved, which could present a differentiation opportunity — particularly for five-bedroom homes given their outsized revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wells

ADR scales steeply with size, jumping from $159 for one-bedroom units to $566 for four-bedroom properties — the highest rate in the market. Interestingly, five-bedroom listings average just $413, below three-bedroom rates of $416, suggesting that the five-bedroom segment may be underpriced or that current operators are using aggressive rate strategies to fill larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wells

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $152, edging out two-bedrooms at $127 — both well above the market average. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) show lower RevPAN ($78–$96) despite higher nightly rates, indicating that their lower occupancy rates significantly cut into per-night revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wells

Two-bedroom and three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 39% and 37% respectively, suggesting these sizes best match traveler demand in Wells. Larger properties fall off sharply — four-bedrooms sit at just 14% and six-plus-bedrooms at 16% — meaning investors in bigger homes need premium summer rates to compensate for many empty nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wells

Five-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $18,880, followed by six-plus-bedrooms at $12,494 and four-bedrooms at $7,837. Smaller units earn considerably less, with one-bedrooms averaging just $1,821 per month — underscoring that the highest absolute revenue in Wells comes from larger, family-oriented vacation homes despite their lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wells

Five-bedroom homes stand out dramatically at $226,566 in average annual revenue, more than double the next closest segment (six-plus-bedrooms at $149,931). Four-bedroom properties earn $94,046 annually, while two- and three-bedrooms cluster around $66,500–$70,000 — making mid-size properties solid performers and large homes the clear revenue leaders for investors who can absorb higher acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wells

Every listing in Wells offers parking (100%), and kitchens (96%), washers (88%), and dryers (85%) are near-universal — reflecting the self-catering, drive-to beach vacation profile of the typical guest. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (80%), patios (63%), and backyards (61%) are also widespread, signaling that outdoor living space is essentially table stakes; properties with waterfront access (28%) or beach access (25%) likely command a premium.

Understanding Wells's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Wells earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — a market where revenue fundamentals and property values align favorably for investors. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are the primary drivers, indicating that current hosts generate healthy income relative to acquisition costs and book consistently within the seasonal window. However, below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest the rapid influx of new listings warrants caution — pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling is strongly recommended.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wells

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

Permit Requirements

Wells, Maine may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local permit or register their property with the town. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Wells and consult Maine state regulations before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Maine towns can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially relevant given that 100% of Wells listings offer parking), and potential HOA rules for properties in managed communities. Some municipalities also cap the total number of STR permits issued, so early research is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maine are generally required to collect and remit the state's lodging tax, and platforms like Airbnb often handle collection automatically. Investors should also confirm whether Wells imposes any additional local fees or registration charges on top of state obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Wells to continue following its pronounced seasonal arc, with summer months driving the vast majority of annual income. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% gains as coastal Maine demand remains strong, though occupancy could remain soft overall (currently 26% vs. the 55% state average) given the market's vacation-driven nature. The 159% year-over-year growth in active listings is worth monitoring — rapid supply expansion could put downward pressure on rates and occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should budget conservatively for winter revenue while positioning properties to capture maximum summer yield."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wells, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wells?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wells is currently 26%, which is well below the Maine state average of 55%. This reflects the market's heavily seasonal nature — Wells is a summer beach destination where occupancy concentrates in the warmer months. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties see the highest occupancy at 39% and 37% respectively, while one-bedroom units lag at just 10%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wells?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Wells earn approximately $7,634 per month and $91,618 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. However, earnings vary dramatically by season and property size. Five-bedroom properties lead the pack with average annual revenue of $226,566, while one-bedroom units average $21,860. August is the highest-earning month at $21,353, while January brings in around $2,032.

Is Wells a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wells earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100 from Rabbu, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market's strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns within its seasonal window. However, investors should account for the sharp seasonality — most income arrives between June and September — and the rapid 159% year-over-year growth in active listings, which could increase competition. Larger properties tend to generate the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Wells is $404, just slightly below the Maine state average of $415. Rates scale significantly with property size: one-bedroom units average $159 per night, while four-bedroom properties command $566. Three-bedroom listings average $416 and six-plus-bedroom homes come in at $527, making mid-to-large properties the sweet spot for premium nightly pricing.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wells?

Short-term rentals do operate in Wells, Maine, with 88 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should contact the Town of Wells directly and review Maine state STR regulations to ensure full compliance before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wells?

Peak season in Wells runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at $21,353 in average revenue per listing. July follows closely at $19,871. The shoulder months of May ($6,908), September ($9,271), and October ($6,567) also generate meaningful income. Winter months from November through March are significantly quieter, with January being the slowest at $2,032.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wells?

As of April 2026, there are 88 active Airbnb listings in Wells. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 27 listings, followed by two-bedroom and four-bedroom units at 19 each. The market has seen significant growth, with a 159% year-over-year increase in active listings — a trend investors should monitor for its potential impact on competition and occupancy.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wells?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wells 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August at $21,353) and slower periods (like January at $2,032). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well an operator manages their listing throughout the year.

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 Wells and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu's proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.