Charleston

As of June 2026, Charleston has 597 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Charleston generates $23K per year. High-performing properties earn $46K/year, while low-performing properties earn $8K/year. The wide revenue gap suggests that despite a 5% contraction in total supply, earnings remain highly sensitive to specific property positioning rather than broad market trends.

Average home prices in Charleston vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $69K, 2-bedroom homes average $100K, 3-bedroom properties are around $146K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $228K. These prices reflect median home values across the Charleston area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Charleston, with an average gross yield of 18% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 35%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield spread highlights significant variance in operational efficiency, even as overall market revenue faces a 14% year-over-year decline.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Charleston is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $185, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $43 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Charleston, with an average gross yield of 21% and annual revenue of $51K. These properties balance purchase price ($228K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Charleston market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Charleston area. Charleston: Strict. Business license required, short-term rental license ($250-400), owner-occupancy mandatory for most zones, 30-day annual rental cap for non-owner-occupied properties in residential areas. Density limits by neighborhood. Active enforcement with fines up to $1,087 per violation. City regularly monitors platforms and issues citations. Many hosts operate only long-term rentals due to restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Charleston Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in inventory and revenue suggests that demand has softened proportionally, preventing a supply glut despite current downward pressure on total earnings.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak fall season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 74% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Charleston listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (94%), Tv (90%), Washing Machine (81%), Heating (77%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Pets Allowed, Heating, with Bbq properties earning approximately 30% more ($39K/year vs $30K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Charleston over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $2K, August: $1K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $954, January: $611, February: $656, March: $1K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Charleston is $185, up 29% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $119/night, 2-bedroom properties average $156/night, 3-bedroom properties average $200/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $400/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in May.

Guests in Charleston book an average of 28 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 29 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Charleston Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 29%, and lead time decreased 15%. These metrics reveal a shift toward a shorter booking window and higher pricing sensitivity, as operators attempt to offset declining occupancy with aggressive rate adjustments.

In Charleston, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 48% higher occupancy than weekdays.