Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Columbia market averaged 4,121 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 7% from a year earlier and up 45% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

An average Columbia listing earns $35K/year. High-performing listings earn $69K, while low-performing listings earn $10K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Columbia home prices by size are 1-bedroom $151K, 2-bedroom $155K, 3-bedroom $226K, and 4+ bedroom $322K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Columbia is 39%, producing RevPAR of $73 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Columbia. Columbia: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement varies by neighborhood.
Charleston: Strict. Short-term rental license required, owner-occupancy mandate, 365-day cap, density limits in historic districts. Active enforcement with significant fines.
Myrtle Beach: Lenient. Business license and accommodations tax registration required. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally.
Charlotte: Moderate. Zoning permits required, primary residence rule in some districts. Moderate enforcement, compliance improving. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 13%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), TV (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+70%), Pool (+68%), Washing Machine (+62%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Columbia is $236, up 21% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Columbia book an average of 29 days in advance, up 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 23 days for 1-bedroom listings to 35 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 31% 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.Santee Cooper & Inland Lowcountry	$40.9K 250 listings	20.5% 250 listings
2.North & Northeast Columbia	$35.4K 111 listings	20.2% 111 listings
3.Pee Dee & Florence	$25.0K 100 listings	17.1% 100 listings
4.South Columbia, Cayce & West Columbia	$36.7K 163 listings	16.8% 163 listings
5.Downtown & Central Columbia	$29.9K 376 listings	13.9% 376 listings
6.Greenwood & Western Piedmont	$30.1K 135 listings	13.7% 135 listings
7.Aiken, North Augusta & Thoroughbred Country	$29.9K 210 listings	12.6% 210 listings
8.Lake Murray & Lexington	$41.4K 360 listings	12.4% 360 listings
9.Rock Hill, Camden & Northern Piedmont	$34.0K 211 listings	12.2% 211 listings