Ocean City, MD Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Ocean City market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Competitive ADR — $187/night market rate
- STR-friendly regulations — low compliance burden
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Ocean City is a beach market with 47% average occupancy and $187 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Ocean City's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Ocean City Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Ocean City is one of the nation's premier beach destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually seeking sun, surf, and waterfront accommodations. Demand peaks sharply in summer but the mild climate extends the shoulder season well into spring and fall, giving STR operators a longer revenue window than inland markets.
The average STR in Ocean City generates approximately $32,200 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $187 and a 47% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Ocean City as an accessible entry-point STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in Ocean City grew by 8% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 5,400 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 Ocean City investors: regulatory risk is rated low — Ocean City currently has minimal STR regulation, making it an investor-friendly market from a compliance perspective. Monitor local policy, as regulations can change. 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
Ocean City Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $94 | 47% | $16K | 1.7–2.3% |
| 1BR | $131 | 47% | $23K | 2.4–3.3% |
| 2BR | $196 | 47% | $35K | 3.7–5.0% |
| 3BR | $284 | 47% | $52K | 5.5–7.4% |
| 4BR+ | $411 | 47% | $77K | 8.1–11.0% |
Ocean City STR Revenue Calendar
Seasonal Insight: Peak season runs July, June, and August. Expect up to 58% higher revenue during peak months. Plan for January and November as your slowest period — approximately 32% below the annual average.
Is Ocean City a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Ocean City
- ✓Premium pricing power: Ocean City's destination appeal supports $187/night average — significantly above national STR average of ~$180
- ✓Growing market: 8% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !High seasonality: Ocean City has significant off-peak periods where revenue can drop 40–60% — cash reserves are essential
- !Below-average occupancy: 47% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
Ocean City STR Regulatory Overview
LowOcean City has a mature vacation rental market with straightforward licensing. Maryland state sales tax and local accommodation taxes apply.
Key Requirements
- ·Rental license and inspection
- ·Maryland sales tax registration
- ·Local accommodation tax
- ·Annual fire safety inspection
Source: Worcester County & City of Ocean City · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Ocean City to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Ocean City | New York | Boston | Cape Cod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $187 | $287 | $231 | $312 |
| Occupancy | 47% | 62% | 60% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $32K | $65K | $51K | $59K |
| Median Home Value | $445K | $1.1M | $785K | $685K |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | High | Moderate | Low |
Ocean City Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Ocean City a good market for short-term rentals?+
Ocean City, MD is an accessible US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $187 and 47% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $32,200 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 Ocean City?+
The average STR listing in Ocean City generates approximately $32,200 in gross annual revenue at a $187 average daily rate and 47% 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 Ocean City?+
The market-average occupancy in Ocean City is approximately 47%. 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 59–65% occupancy. This market is highly seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Ocean City?+
Regulatory risk in Ocean City is rated Low. Ocean City currently has minimal STR regulation, making it investor-friendly from a compliance standpoint. Always verify current requirements — local policies can change. Regulations change frequently; always confirm current rules with local authorities.
What type of property performs best as an Airbnb in Ocean City?+
In Ocean City, the highest-performing STR properties are typically 3-bedroom beach houses and condos with ocean views. Guests in Ocean City prioritize proximity to key attractions, unique character, and outdoor space. The premium segment by revenue-per-dollar-invested is typically the 2-bedroom category.
What is the best season for Airbnb in Ocean City?+
Ocean City sees peak STR demand during June through August. During peak season, top properties can command rates 58% above their annual average. The off-peak period sees materially lower rates and occupancy — conservative underwriting should assume 40–50% of peak revenue during the slowest months.
How much does it cost to buy an STR investment property in Ocean City?+
The median home value in Ocean City is approximately $445,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $102K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $32,200/year, a property at median value would generate a gross revenue yield of approximately 7.2%. Use this calculator to model your specific purchase price, financing terms, and expense assumptions.
How does Ocean City compare to other STR markets?+
Ocean City offers accessible entry points relative to premium coastal markets. The $187 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. Ocean City offers a lower barrier to entry with reliable occupancy fundamentals.
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