Columbia

As of May 2026, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte have 3,922 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Columbia generates $34K per year. High-performing properties earn $65K/year, while low-performing properties earn $12K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom earners suggests that revenue is heavily concentrated in specific listings rather than distributed evenly across the market.

Average home prices in Columbia vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $146K, 2-bedroom homes average $153K, 3-bedroom properties are around $223K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $317K. These prices reflect median home values across the Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Columbia, with an average gross yield of 17% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 33%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread indicates that high-yield outcomes are achievable but likely depend on specific asset positioning within the current 39% occupancy environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbia is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $221, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $64 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Columbia, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $28K. These properties balance purchase price ($153K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Columbia market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Columbia area. Columbia: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement exists but inconsistent. Charleston: Strict. Short-term rental license required, owner-occupancy mandate in residential zones, 30-day minimum in historic areas. Active enforcement with violations tracked. Myrtle Beach: Lenient. Business license and accommodations tax registration required. Light enforcement, many unlicensed operators. Charlotte: Lenient. Privilege license needed, zoning compliance. Minimal enforcement, widespread unpermitted activity. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 6%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue despite stagnant supply growth signals that demand is currently softening, exerting downward pressure on overall market performance.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 42% 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 Columbia listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (89%), Washing Machine (87%), Heating (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, Lake Access, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 41% more ($47K/year vs $33K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Columbia over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $995, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $3K. 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 Columbia is $221, up 20% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $125/night, 2-bedroom properties average $171/night, 3-bedroom properties average $220/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $396/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in January.

Guests in Columbia book an average of 28 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 22 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 29 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 1%, revenue per listing decreased 6%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 20%, and lead time decreased 15%. This combination of higher rates and lower occupancy suggests a shift in pricing strategy that may be impacting overall booking velocity.

In Columbia, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 29% higher occupancy than weekdays.