Charleston, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Charleston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Charleston, SC presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 71 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and a tourism-rich coastal setting. With 1,289 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $67,012 in annual revenue, the market benefits from strong seasonal demand that peaks in summer and sustains meaningful income through the shoulder months. Average daily rates sit at $281 — below the South Carolina state average of $358 — but a 40% occupancy rate that edges above the state's 38% helps keep revenue-per-available-night competitive at $111.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Charleston short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Charleston

Charleston's blend of historic charm, coastal tourism, and above-average occupancy stability makes it a compelling market for investors seeking consistent short-term rental income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Charleston's STR market earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting a healthy balance between guest demand and revenue potential relative to property values. Seasonality is pronounced — July revenues of $8,832 are roughly 3.7 times January's $2,385 — so investors should plan for leaner winter months while capitalizing on a robust warm-season window from March through August. The 109% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, which could gradually compress margins if supply outpaces demand. Still, the market's occupancy stability and diverse appeal position it well for investors who price competitively and differentiate on amenities and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Charleston

Average revenue by month in Charleston

Charleston's revenue cycle shows strong seasonality, peaking in July at $8,832 and bottoming out in January at $2,385 — a spread of roughly $6,400. The warm-weather months from March through August all exceed $6,800, giving investors a six-month window of elevated income before a gradual decline into the winter off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Charleston

One-bedroom listings dominate Charleston's supply at 378, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (331) and 3-bedrooms (267). Larger configurations — particularly 5-bedroom (43 listings) and 6+ bedroom (77 listings) — are relatively scarce, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target the group-travel segment with less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Charleston

ADR scales sharply with size in Charleston, rising from $177 for 1-bedroom units to $745 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($284) to 4 bedrooms ($389) is particularly notable, suggesting that larger homes command a meaningful premium that could offset higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Charleston

RevPAN climbs steadily with property size, from $67 for 1-bedroom listings all the way to $370 for 6+ bedroom homes. This trend confirms that larger properties aren't just charging more per night — they're also converting that pricing power into meaningfully higher revenue per available night, making them the strongest performers on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Charleston

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across most property sizes in Charleston, hovering between 38% and 40%, with 6+ bedroom properties standing out at 50%. This uniformity suggests that demand is broad-based rather than concentrated in any one segment, though the occupancy premium for the largest homes indicates strong group-travel interest.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Charleston

Monthly revenue differences are dramatic across property sizes — 1-bedroom listings average $3,258 while 6+ bedroom homes generate $20,814 per month, more than six times as much. Even the step up from 3 bedrooms ($6,402) to 4 bedrooms ($9,354) represents a nearly 50% revenue increase, underscoring the outsized earning power of larger configurations in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Charleston

Annual revenue ranges from $39,107 for 1-bedroom properties to $249,775 for 6+ bedroom homes, illustrating just how wide the earnings spectrum is in Charleston. Four-bedroom listings at $112,251 annually offer a compelling middle ground for investors seeking strong returns without the complexity and capital requirements of the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Charleston

Parking tops the amenity list at 97%, reflecting Charleston's car-dependent layout, followed by kitchen (91%) and self check-in (90%) as near-universal expectations. Outdoor living features like patios (66%) and outdoor furniture (56%) are also common, signaling that guests value Charleston's mild climate and outdoor entertaining — investors should treat these as baseline requirements rather than differentiators.

Understanding Charleston's ROI Score: 71/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Charleston's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably well-aligned. The standout factor is above-average occupancy stability, which helps reduce the risk of extended vacancies, while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average — solid but not exceptional. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate whether a specific deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Charleston

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Charleston. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Charleston, South Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Charleston and the State of South Carolina, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Charleston can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. Some neighborhoods or HOAs may impose additional caps on rentals or outright prohibitions, so reviewing any applicable covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state and local accommodations taxes, as well as applicable sales taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Charleston can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Charleston's STR market is expected to maintain steady performance, with occupancy rates likely holding in the 38–42% range given the market's above-average occupancy stability. Seasonal patterns suggest investors can anticipate peak revenue from May through August, with July continuing to lead at levels near $8,800 per month. ADR growth of 1–3% is a reasonable estimate given average market growth trends, though new supply entering at 109% year-over-year listing growth could temper gains if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should monitor supply expansion closely while taking comfort in Charleston's enduring appeal as a top U.S. travel destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Charleston, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charleston?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charleston is currently 40%, which sits slightly above the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 38% for 1-bedroom listings to 50% for 6+ bedroom properties. This above-average stability is one of the key factors supporting Charleston's investment appeal.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Charleston?

Airbnb hosts in Charleston earn an average of $5,584 per month, which translates to approximately $67,012 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $3,258 per month, while 5-bedroom properties pull in roughly $14,041 monthly. Larger 6+ bedroom homes lead the market with average monthly revenue of $20,814.

Is Charleston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Charleston scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand dynamics, though property values averaging around $1,100,312 mean investors need to carefully evaluate revenue-to-price ratios. Larger properties tend to offer stronger revenue potential, and the market's tourism-driven demand provides a solid foundation for consistent bookings.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Charleston?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Charleston is $281, which comes in below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales significantly with property size — studios average $197, while 6+ bedroom properties command $745 per night. Three-bedroom listings represent a popular middle ground at $284 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Charleston?

Short-term rentals do operate in Charleston, with 1,289 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, the City of Charleston and the State of South Carolina may impose specific licensing, registration, and zoning requirements on STR operators. Investors should consult local authorities and review any applicable HOA or neighborhood restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Charleston?

Peak season for Airbnb in Charleston runs from May through August, with July leading the pack at $8,832 in average monthly revenue. June ($7,859) and May ($7,085) are also strong performers. The shoulder months of March and April see solid activity as well, with revenues above $6,800. January is the slowest month at $2,385, so investors should budget for a significant seasonal dip during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Charleston?

Charleston currently has 1,289 active Airbnb listings. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units (378 listings) and 2-bedroom units (331 listings) making up the largest share. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 109%, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Charleston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Charleston are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects historical performance of active listings and may not account for recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.