Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Charleston market averaged 633 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 5% from a year earlier and up 168% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

An average Charleston listing earns $24K/year. High-performing listings earn $47K, while low-performing listings earn $7K.

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 $73K, 2-bedroom $105K, 3-bedroom $151K, and 4+ bedroom $239K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Charleston is 31%, producing RevPAR of $49 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Charleston. Charleston: Strict. Business license required, short-term rental license mandatory, owner-occupancy required for most properties, 30-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied rentals in residential zones. Density limits restrict concentration. Active enforcement with significant fines, regular inspections, and neighbor complaint system. City aggressively pursues unlicensed operators and monitors platforms. Few hosts operate illegally due to high penalty risk. 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 appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 9%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in May and September; 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 (99%), Internet (99%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Bbq (+39%), Heating (+35%), Parking (+26%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Charleston is $195, up 23% year-over-year. Rates peak in September 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 31 days in advance, up 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 27 days for 1-bedroom listings to 42 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 Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 51% 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.Mingo County	$29.0K 33 listings	36.7% 33 listings
2.Huntington & Cabell County	$23.6K 82 listings	21.9% 82 listings
3.Cross Lanes, St. Albans & Nitro	$23.4K 48 listings	21.2% 48 listings
4.Charleston & South Charleston	$25.2K 83 listings	19.2% 83 listings