Is Plymouth, Massachusetts Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Plymouth, Massachusetts combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a compelling opportunity due to its rich historical significance, popular tourist attractions, and strong rental demand.
• The town's historical sites, such as Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Patuxet Museums, draw a consistent influx of tourists, especially during peak seasons.
• While property values in Plymouth are generally stable, the potential for high occupancy rates and premium nightly rates, particularly for unique or historically themed properties.
• The market benefits from both short-term vacationers and longer-term visitors interested in the town's heritage and coastal charm.
• However, potential investors should also consider local regulations and any seasonal variations in tourism to optimize their investment strategy.

$1,200–$3,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and rental analytics, Airbnb hosts in Plymouth, Massachusetts typically earn between $1,200 to $3,500 per month.
• Summer months (June through August) generally see the highest earnings, with properties averaging $2,800 to $4,200 monthly.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons average around $1,500 to $2,500 monthly, with October showing particular strength due to fall foliage tourism and proximity to historical attractions.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size (with 2-3 bedroom homes performing best), proximity to Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II, waterfront access.
• Properties within walking distance of downtown Plymouth or waterfront areas command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak season.
• Occupancy rates average 65-75% during summer months but can drop to 35-45% in winter, making seasonal pricing strategies crucial for maximizing annual revenue.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with waterfront and historic district properties achieving the higher end of this range due to Plymouth's strong tourism appeal from attractions like Plymouth Rock and Mayflower II.
• The average payback period ranges from 8-12 years, depending on initial investment and property type.
• This compares favorably to traditional long-term rentals in Plymouth, which typically yield 6-8% ROI with average monthly rents of $1,800-2,500 for comparable properties.
• Properties within walking distance of historic attractions and waterfront areas show occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while those in residential neighborhoods typically achieve 45-55% occupancy.

Plymouth, Massachusetts averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Plymouth, Massachusetts Airbnb properties typically maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 65-70%.
• Peak season occurs from June through September, when occupancy rates surge to 85-90% due to summer tourism, Plymouth Rock visits, and Mayflower history attractions.
• Winter months from December through March see occupancy drop to 35-45%, with a notable exception during Thanksgiving weekend.
• Plymouth's occupancy rates generally outperform the Massachusetts state average of 60-65% and exceed the national Airbnb average of 48-52%, primarily due to its unique historical attractions, coastal location.
• The city's performance is particularly strong compared to other Massachusetts markets outside of Boston and Cape Cod, benefiting from year-round historical tourism, seasonal beach activities.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in Plymouth include Downtown Plymouth Historic District, which offers prime proximity to Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, and numerous museums.
• Plymouth Beach and Duxbury Beach areas provide strong summer rental demand with oceanfront properties achieving higher nightly rates.
• The Spooner Street and North Plymouth neighborhoods offer more affordable entry points while maintaining walkability to historic attractions and restaurants.
• Plymouth Long Beach Road area combines waterfront access with residential charm, drawing repeat visitors seeking quieter alternatives to downtown while still accessing main attractions within a short drive.
• The Cordage Park neighborhood, a former rope manufacturing area turned mixed-use development, appeals to business travelers and offers modern amenities with reasonable property acquisition costs.
• Mayflower Street corridor provides excellent walkability to multiple historic sites and dining options, supporting consistent occupancy rates throughout tourist seasons.
• Finally, the White Horse Beach area offers seasonal rental opportunities with strong summer demand from families.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Plymouth, Massachusetts requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register with the city, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two additional guests.
• Owner-occupancy is not mandated for short-term rentals, but properties must comply with residential zoning requirements and cannot operate in areas zoned exclusively for single-family use without proper permits.
• The registration process involves submitting an application with property details, proof of insurance, emergency contact information.
• Properties must meet health and safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators must collect and remit local room occupancy taxes.
• Recent changes implemented around 2019-2020 strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance.
• Parking requirements mandate one space per bedroom, and noise ordinances are strictly enforced with potential license revocation for repeat violations.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Plymouth, Massachusetts are subject to several fees and taxes including the state lodging tax of 5.7% on all rental income.
• Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit from the city which costs approximately $200-300 annually, along with a one-time registration fee of around $100-150.
• The Massachusetts Department of Revenue requires operators to register for tax collection purposes with no additional fee, but failure to comply results in penalties starting at $500.
• Additionally, operators may need a business license costing roughly $50-75 annually, and properties must pass safety inspections which typically cost $150-250 per inspection.
• Some properties may also be subject to additional local assessments or impact fees ranging from $100-500 depending on the specific zoning district and property type.