Introduction
Cambridge short-term rentals continue to attract investors and travelers drawn by the city’s vibrant local culture, historic university atmosphere, and notable attractions like Harvard University and the renowned MIT Museum. With annual events such as the Cambridge Science Festival fueling tourism, the market for Cambridge vacation rentals remains a lucrative opportunity.
Quick Takeaways
- Active Listings: Strong market with growing inventory
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): $127 for April 2025
- Occupancy Rate: Approximately 67%
- Revenue Per Listing (April): $1,749
- YOY Revenue Change: Notable stability, with consistent demand and income
- Strategy Tips: Flexible cancelation policies and short-stay targeting boost performance
Market Performance: April 2025 in Focus
Cambridge’s short-term rental market showed strong performance in April 2025. The average daily rate was $127, attracting travelers and boosting income. Occupancy reached roughly 67%, indicating consistent demand. Total revenue for the month hit $1,749 per listing. These key metrics highlight promising opportunities for investors and hosts alike. In this overview, we’ll explore what drives these numbers and what they mean for future growth in Cambridge’s short-term rental scene.
Seasonality and Demand Trends
The quarterly booking patterns in Cambridge reveal strong early-year demand driven by strategic lead times, with Q1 showcasing the highest occupancy. Demand tapers in Q2 and Q3, reflecting typical seasonality, before a significant slowdown in Q4 indicates decreased traveler interest during the holiday season. These trends suggest that guest demand is concentrated in the first half of the year, emphasizing the importance of proactive marketing and dynamic pricing strategies to maximize booking potential throughout the fluctuating seasonal cycle.
Booking Strategies for Maximum Returns
Abilene hosts favor flexible (39.6%) and moderate (33.5%) cancel policies, indicating trust in guests and demand for booking flexibility. The predominance of 1- to 2-night minimum stays suggests a focus on short-term, transient visitors. This pattern signals seasonality and a strategic emphasis on quick turnover. Investors should consider offering flexible cancellation options or targeting short-stay travelers to maximize occupancy and revenue.
Unlock Local STR Data with StaySTRa Analyzer
When evaluating potential properties or narrowing your Cambridge investment focus, the StaySTRa Analyzer lets you plug in any address and see real short-term rental performance data. This free tool is built specifically for STR investors aiming to make data-driven decisions in dynamic markets like Cambridge.
Explore and Invest in Cambridge Rentals
Vacation demand in Cambridge is robust thanks to its world-class institutions, local events, and visitor-friendly atmosphere. To see available rentals, browse listings in Cambridge and compare offerings in real time. With flexible policies and a focus on short stays, investors can tap into a consistent guest pool and capitalize on market trends.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Cambridge short-term rentals offer compelling opportunities for both new and experienced STR investors. Stay tuned for monthly market updates and strategies to refine your vacation rental approach. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest data-backed insights and tips!
