Boston, MA Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Boston market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Solid occupancy — 60% market average
- Competitive ADR — $231/night market rate
Risks
- Moderate seasonality — plan for slower months
- Moderate regulation — registration or permit required
- High acquisition cost — median home $785K
Solid Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Boston is a urban market with 60% average occupancy and $231 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Boston's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Boston Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Boston draws consistent STR demand from business travelers, event tourism, and weekend visitors. As Massachusetts's major urban center, the city generates year-round occupancy that insulates investors from the seasonal volatility common in resort markets.
The average STR in Boston generates approximately $50,600 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $231 and a 60% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Boston as a solid mid-tier STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in Boston grew by 5% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 4,800 active STR units. This moderate growth rate suggests a market finding equilibrium between supply and demand, which typically supports stable occupancy and ADR. Investors should track supply trends quarterly using tools like AirDNA or Rabbu before committing capital.
Key considerations for Boston investors: regulatory risk is rated moderate — Boston requires registration or permits for STR operators. Compliance is manageable but adds time and cost to the investment process. Property management costs, cleaning turnover for short stays, and platform fee optimization are the primary levers operators use to improve net margin in this market.
Market Metrics
Boston Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $127 | 60% | $28K | 1.7–2.2% |
| 1BR | $176 | 60% | $38K | 2.3–3.1% |
| 2BR | $254 | 60% | $58K | 3.5–4.7% |
| 3BR | $335 | 60% | $78K | 4.7–6.3% |
| 4BR+ | $462 | 60% | $106K | 6.3–8.6% |
Boston STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs October, April, and May. Expect up to 15% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for January and December as your slowest period — approximately 20% below the annual average.
Is Boston a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Boston
- ✓Solid revenue potential: market average of $50,600 per year with upside for well-managed properties
- ✓Reliable occupancy: 60% market average provides predictable income baseline
- ✓Year-round demand: Boston's diverse visitor base prevents the seasonal cliffs common in resort markets
- ✓Growing market: 5% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !Permit requirements: Boston requires STR registration — add compliance costs and timeline to your underwriting
- !High acquisition cost: median home values make achieving target cash-on-cash returns challenging without creative financing
Boston STR Regulatory Overview
ModerateBoston limits STR licenses to owner-occupied primary residences. Investors seeking non-owner-occupied STRs face significant restrictions and must obtain a limited corporate license.
Key Requirements
- ·Primary residence requirement for standard license
- ·Corporate license available for non-primary (limited and expensive)
- ·Annual registration with the City
- ·Room occupancy excise tax collection
Source: City of Boston Inspectional Services · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Boston to Similar Markets
View market →
View market →
View market →
| Metric | Boston | New York | Cape Cod | Portland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $231 | $287 | $312 | $198 |
| Occupancy | 60% | 62% | 52% | 54% |
| Avg Revenue | $51K | $65K | $59K | $39K |
| Median Home Value | $785K | $1.1M | $685K | $545K |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
Boston Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Boston a good market for short-term rentals?+
Boston, MA is a solid US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $231 and 60% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $50,600 per year. Market performance varies significantly by property type, location within the city, and management quality — this calculator helps you model your specific scenario.
What is the average Airbnb income in Boston?+
The average STR listing in Boston generates approximately $50,600 in gross annual revenue at a $231 average daily rate and 60% occupancy. Top-performing listings with premium amenities, strong reviews, and professional management can earn 30–50% above the market average. After platform fees (3–5%), cleaning costs, and other expenses, net revenue typically ranges 60–75% of gross.
What occupancy rate can I expect for an Airbnb in Boston?+
The market-average occupancy in Boston is approximately 60%. New listings typically underperform the market average for the first 3–6 months while accumulating reviews. Properties with professional photography, competitive pricing, and consistently high ratings can reach 72–78% occupancy. This market is moderately seasonal — consistent occupancy is achievable year-round with good pricing strategy.
What are the STR regulations in Boston?+
Regulatory risk in Boston is rated Moderate. Boston requires STR operators to register and/or obtain permits. The process is manageable but adds cost and lead time. Check with local authorities for current requirements. Regulations change frequently; always confirm current rules with local authorities.
What type of property performs best as an Airbnb in Boston?+
In Boston, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 1–2 bedroom apartments and condos near downtown. Guests in urban markets prioritize location, walkability, and modern amenities. The most efficient segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in Boston?+
Boston sees peak STR demand during spring (March–May) and fall (September–October). During peak season, top properties can command rates 15% above their annual average. Demand remains relatively stable throughout the year, with only moderate seasonal variation.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in Boston?+
The median home value in Boston is approximately $785,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $181K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $50,600/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 6.4%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Boston compare to other STR markets?+
Boston performs above the national average for STR revenue. The $231 ADR is near the national STR average of roughly $185. For comparison, markets like Aspen and Malibu exceed $450 ADR but require significantly higher acquisition costs. Boston offers a strong combination of revenue potential and market accessibility.
Ready to run your numbers?
← Browse all marketsUse main calculator →