Hilton Head Island

As of May 2026, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah have 10,081 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Hilton Head Island generates $52K per year. High-performing properties earn $131K/year, while low-performing properties earn $23K/year. This significant performance variance highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture outsized revenue despite a broader 33% decline in market-wide earnings.

Average home prices in Hilton Head Island vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $385K, 2-bedroom homes average $314K, 3-bedroom properties are around $417K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $658K. These prices reflect median home values across the Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Hilton Head Island, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide yield spread suggests that profitability is highly sensitive to asset-specific revenue capture rather than broad market trends.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hilton Head Island is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $372, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $100 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Hilton Head Island, with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $91K. These properties balance purchase price ($658K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Hilton Head Island market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Hilton Head Island area. Hilton Head Island: Moderate. Business license required, occupancy tax registration, zoning compliance. Some neighborhoods restrict rentals. Moderate enforcement with complaint-based action. Beaufort: Lenient. Business license and accommodations tax registration required. No owner-occupancy rules or density limits. Light enforcement, mostly tax-focused. Bluffton: Lenient. Business license needed, accommodations tax collection. No major restrictions. Minimal enforcement beyond tax compliance. Savannah: Moderate. Short-term rental license required, inspections, occupancy limits. Historic district has some restrictions. Moderate enforcement with periodic crackdowns. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Hilton Head Island Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 33%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, suggesting the revenue contraction stems from softening traveler spend rather than an oversupply of inventory.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 21% 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 Hilton Head Island listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (91%), Washing Machine (87%), Pool (65%), Balcony (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Hot Tub, Pool, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 69% more ($75K/year vs $44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Hilton Head Island over the last 12 months: May: $4K, June: $5K, July: $6K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $917, February: $1K, March: $4K, April: $5K. 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 Hilton Head Island is $372, up 4% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $204/night, 2-bedroom properties average $277/night, 3-bedroom properties average $371/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $774/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Hilton Head Island book an average of 49 days in advance, down 13% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 38 days, 2-bedroom: 47 days, 3-bedroom: 53 days, 4+ bedroom: 61 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Hilton Head Island Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 0%, revenue per listing decreased 33%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 4%, and lead time decreased 13%. These metrics point to a tightening booking environment where hosts face increased competition for a shrinking pool of demand.

In Hilton Head Island, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.