Side-by-side comparison

Cambridge vs Chicago: which is better for Airbnb investment?

We compare the United States short-term rental markets across occupancy, daily rate, RevPAR, year-over-year trend, and regulation.

Bottom line

Cambridge and Chicago score similarly on the metrics that matter most for short-term rental returns. The right pick depends on whether you optimise for yield (lower regulation risk, higher RevPAR) or capital growth.

Head-to-head metrics

 CambridgeChicago
Median occupancy54%54%
Median daily rate$165$141
Median RevPAR$57.8$45
Active listings8136,086
YoY occupancy+4.7 pts
YoY daily rate+0%
Regulation risk
Annual night capNoneNone
License requiredNoNo

Go deeper on each city

Market guide
Airbnb in Cambridge
Occupancy, ADR, neighborhoods, regulation
Market guide
Airbnb in Chicago
Occupancy, ADR, neighborhoods, regulation
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Cambridge vs Chicago: which is better for Airbnb investment? (2026)