Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Charleston market averaged 8,447 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 1% from a year earlier and up 16% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

An average Charleston listing earns $98K/year. High-performing listings earn $209K, while low-performing listings earn $39K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Median Charleston home prices by size are 1-bedroom $317K, 2-bedroom $346K, 3-bedroom $461K, and 4+ bedroom $607K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Charleston is 45%, producing RevPAR of $208 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Charleston. Charleston: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, 30-day minimum in residential areas. Moderate enforcement with complaint-driven action.
Folly Beach: Strict. Business license mandatory, density caps limit permits, no new licenses in many zones. Active enforcement with violations tracked.
Isle of Palms: Moderate. Business license and state registration required, zoning compliance needed. Moderate enforcement, primarily complaint-based.
Hilton Head Island: Lenient. Business license and state registration required, zoning compliance. Light enforcement, many operate without full compliance. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Charleston Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Charleston Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 13%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in June and July; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), TV (99%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+33%), Pool (+24%), Ev Charger (+20%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Charleston is $502, up 9% year-over-year. Rates peak in June and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Charleston book an average of 50 days in advance, up 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 41 days for 1-bedroom listings to 60 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 39% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.North Charleston	$45.6K 553 listings	15.3% 553 listings
2.West Ashley	$45.3K 75 listings	13.0% 75 listings
3.James Island	$45.3K 220 listings	12.5% 220 listings
4.Hanahan & Goose Creek	$39.4K 92 listings	12.4% 92 listings
5.Downtown Charleston Peninsula	$90.6K 1,241 listings	12.1% 1,241 listings
6.Summerville & Ladson	$39.7K 137 listings	12.1% 137 listings
7.Seabrook Island	$65.6K 549 listings	10.0% 549 listings
8.Johns Island	$56.4K 50 listings	9.8% 50 listings
9.Mount Pleasant	$61.7K 416 listings	9.3% 416 listings
10.Kiawah Island	$71.2K 826 listings	9.3% 826 listings
11.Folly Beach	$94.7K 1,015 listings	8.4% 1,015 listings
12.Daniel Island & Cainhoy	$46.4K 24 listings	8.1% 24 listings
13.Isle of Palms	$89.8K 1,513 listings	6.6% 1,513 listings