Portland, ME Short-Term Rental ROI Calculator
Analyze your Airbnb investment with live Portland market data. Pre-populated with real ADR, occupancy, and revenue benchmarks.
Investor Quick Take
Strengths
- Competitive ADR — $198/night market rate
- Active market — 1,400+ active listings
Risks
- High seasonality — significant off-season revenue drop
- Moderate regulation — registration or permit required
- Below-average occupancy — careful underwriting required
Moderate Market
Based on ADR, occupancy, and supply metrics
Portland is a urban market with 54% average occupancy and $198 ADR.
We've pre-populated this calculator with Portland's market averages. Adjust the values to match your specific property.
Portland Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Portland draws consistent STR demand from business travelers, event tourism, and weekend visitors. As Maine'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 Portland generates approximately $39,100 in annual revenue, with an average daily rate of $198 and a 54% occupancy rate across the year. These metrics position Portland as an accessible entry-point STR market — particularly attractive to investors seeking consistent year-round cash flow.
Active listings in Portland grew by 13% year-over-year, currently sitting at approximately 1,400 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 Portland investors: regulatory risk is rated moderate — Portland 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
Portland Airbnb Revenue by Property Size
| Property Size | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Avg Annual Revenue | Est. Cap Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $109 | 54% | $22K | 1.8–2.5% |
| 1BR | $150 | 54% | $30K | 2.5–3.4% |
| 2BR | $218 | 54% | $45K | 3.9–5.2% |
| 3BR | $287 | 54% | $61K | 5.2–7.0% |
| 4BR+ | $396 | 54% | $82K | 7.0–9.5% |
Portland 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 Portland a Good Market for Short-Term Rentals?
Why investors choose Portland
- ✓Solid revenue potential: market average of $39,100 per year with upside for well-managed properties
- ✓Reliable occupancy: 54% market average provides predictable income baseline
- ✓Year-round demand: Portland's diverse visitor base prevents the seasonal cliffs common in resort markets
- ✓Growing market: 13% annual listing growth signals strong investor and visitor confidence
Key risks to consider
- !Permit requirements: Portland requires STR registration — add compliance costs and timeline to your underwriting
- !Moderate seasonality: revenue varies materially by month — budget conservatively for shoulder and off-peak periods
- !Below-average occupancy: 54% market average means careful property selection and pricing strategy are critical to profitability
Portland STR Regulatory Overview
ModeratePortland, Maine caps non-owner-occupied STR permits and limits them to registered investors. The city has seen rapid growth and actively enforces permit limits.
Key Requirements
- ·City STR permit required
- ·Non-owner-occupied permits capped (waitlist possible)
- ·Annual renewal
- ·State of Maine rooms and meals tax
Source: City of Portland Planning Division · Last verified: 2026-01. Regulations change frequently — always verify current requirements with local authorities before investing.
Compare Portland to Similar Markets
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| Metric | Portland | New York | Boston | Cape Cod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADR | $198 | $287 | $231 | $312 |
| Occupancy | 54% | 62% | 60% | 52% |
| Avg Revenue | $39K | $65K | $51K | $59K |
| Median Home Value | $545K | $1.1M | $785K | $685K |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate | High | Moderate | Low |
Portland Short-Term Rental FAQs
Is Portland a good market for short-term rentals?+
Portland, ME is an accessible US STR markets. With an average daily rate of $198 and 54% occupancy, the average listing earns approximately $39,100 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 Portland?+
The average STR listing in Portland generates approximately $39,100 in gross annual revenue at a $198 average daily rate and 54% 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 Portland?+
The market-average occupancy in Portland is approximately 54%. 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 66–72% occupancy. This market is moderately seasonal — plan for meaningful variation between peak and off-peak months.
What are the STR regulations in Portland?+
Regulatory risk in Portland is rated Moderate. Portland 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 Portland?+
In Portland, 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 Portland?+
Portland 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. 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 Portland?+
The median home value in Portland is approximately $545,000. With a 20% down payment, you'd invest roughly $125K in cash (including closing costs and setup). At the market-average revenue of $39,100/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 Portland compare to other STR markets?+
Portland offers accessible entry points relative to premium coastal markets. The $198 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. Portland offers a lower barrier to entry with reliable occupancy fundamentals.
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