Top 13 Airbnb Markets in Maine

Maine’s rugged coastline, iconic lighthouses, and vast wilderness have long lured vacationers seeking a slower pace and an authentic New England experience. From ocean-side cottages to lakefront cabins, the Pine Tree State offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for short-term rental (STR) investors. Using AirDNA’s proprietary data, we ranked the most attractive Airbnb markets across Maine—ideal for everyone from first-time hosts to seasoned portfolio managers.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for STR investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five components:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five factors receives its own 0‒100 rating inside the AirDNA app, letting investors drill down on the metrics that matter most to their strategies.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This ranking features a blend of statewide markets and more granular submarkets:

• Markets represent well-defined, often larger areas—such as major tourism regions (e.g., Maine Beaches).
• Submarkets capture individual towns, national-park gateway communities, or lakeside destinations (e.g., Skowhegan, Baxter State Park / Moosehead Lake).

Evaluating both helps investors uncover pockets of opportunity that can be obscured when focusing only on broad regional data.

Airbnb Market Overview in Maine

Maine’s STR landscape is as diverse as its scenery. Coastal regions command high nightly rates during peak summer months, while inland lakes and mountain towns extend the booking calendar with foliage and winter-sport seasons. Regulatory environments remain comparatively host-friendly, although several coastal municipalities have introduced caps and registration requirements. Overall, Maine balances healthy demand with manageable competition—an encouraging mix for investors seeking steady cash flow.

Top 13 Airbnb Markets in Maine (Ranked by Market Score)

13. Maine Midcoast

Market Score: 20.73

Average Annual Revenue: $42,223

Maine’s Midcoast region—stretching from Brunswick to Penobscot Bay—blends historic shipbuilding towns, rocky peninsulas, and artist enclaves. While its Market Score is modest due to heavy seasonality, premium summer ADRs and a loyal repeat-visitor base make it worth a closer look for hosts able to command top-tier rates.

12. Maine Beaches

Market Score: 22.36

Average Annual Revenue: $56,533

Home to popular spots like Ogunquit and Old Orchard Beach, the southern coastline enjoys some of the state’s highest nightly rates. However, short summer seasons and tightening ordinances in certain towns push the Market Score lower. Investors with strong property-management strategies can still unlock lucrative summertime revenue.

11. Belgrade

Market Score: 32.19

Average Annual Revenue: $42,139

The Belgrade Lakes area is a beloved freshwater retreat offering boating, fishing, and a classic Maine camp vibe. Limited STR supply and consistent family reunions keep occupancy solid, but a shorter booking window tempers its overall Score.

10. Caribou / Preque Isle

Market Score: 32.25

Average Annual Revenue: $18,461

Northern Maine’s Caribou and Presque Isle attract outdoor adventurers for snowmobiling and stargazing thanks to famously dark skies. Home prices are low, yet limited tourism infrastructure and long off-seasons keep revenues moderate.

9. New Canada

Market Score: 35.30

Average Annual Revenue: $18,258

Bordering Canada near Fort Kent, this lakeside hamlet offers tranquil waterfront cottages popular with anglers and snowmobilers. Low acquisition costs offset smaller guest pools, making it a niche play for investors seeking affordability.

8. Dover-Foxcroft

Market Score: 36.06

Average Annual Revenue: $24,064

Dover-Foxcroft sits at the crossroads of central Maine, acting as a staging point for hiking, fishing, and ATV trails. Moderate but stable demand paired with limited competition keeps occupancy rates reasonable.

7. Skowhegan

Market Score: 45.49

Average Annual Revenue: $26,149

Known for its up-and-coming food scene and riverfront recreation, Skowhegan benefits from year-round events like the Skowhegan State Fair. Rising tourism initiatives could boost ADRs and push Market Scores higher over time.

6. Winthrop

Market Score: 52.06

Average Annual Revenue: $38,279

Just west of Augusta, Winthrop features multiple lakes and easy access to Interstate 95. High summer demand and proximity to the state capital create a balanced booking calendar for both leisure and business guests.

5. Farmington

Market Score: 52.95

Average Annual Revenue: $28,856

Home to the University of Maine at Farmington and minutes from ski areas like Sugarloaf, this college town sustains demand across academic, foliage, and winter seasons, supporting attractive occupancy levels.

4. Bangor

Market Score: 53.14

Average Annual Revenue: $29,214

Bangor serves as a commercial and transportation hub for northern Maine, drawing medical, business, and event-driven travel. Steady year-round bookings and moderate property prices underpin its strong Market Score.

3. Baxter State Park / Moosehead Lake

Market Score: 60.31

Average Annual Revenue: $34,502

Gateway towns surrounding Baxter State Park and Moosehead Lake capitalize on hiking, paddling, and leaf-peeping seasons. Rustic cabins and large group lodges perform particularly well, but remote locations require robust management logistics.

2. Maine Down East/Acadia Coastal

Market Score: 62.28

Average Annual Revenue: $51,967

Stretching from Bar Harbor to Lubec, the Down East coast includes Acadia National Park—one of the nation’s most visited parks. Sky-high summer ADRs drive revenue potential, while expanded shoulder seasons keep occupancy respectable despite stricter local regulations.

1. Augusta

Market Score: 90.05

Average Annual Revenue: $33,660

Maine’s capital city tops the list thanks to a balanced mix of government, corporate, and leisure travel. Year-round events at the Augusta Civic Center and proximity to lakes and ski areas boost occupancy, while relatively low housing costs enhance cash-on-cash returns.

Should You Invest in Maine?

For investors eyeing a New England foothold, Maine offers a compelling risk-reward profile. Coastal markets like Acadia and the Maine Beaches deliver premium nightly rates but require careful navigation of seasonality and local ordinances. Inland submarkets such as Augusta, Winthrop, and Baxter State Park / Moosehead Lake provide more affordable entry points, longer booking seasons, and less competition.

With an overall tourism-friendly climate, growing outdoor recreation demand, and relatively light regulation compared with other Northeastern states, Maine stands out as a diversified, opportunity-rich STR destination.