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

Charleston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Charleston, WV presents an affordable entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $286,133 and annual revenue averaging $17,152 across active listings. The market's ADR of $132 sits well below the state average of $242, but occupancy of 40% slightly edges out the statewide 38%, suggesting steady—if modest—demand. With only 90 active Airbnb listings, the market remains relatively small, which could work in favor of early movers who position their properties well.

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 relatively low property prices combined with moderate occupancy and manageable competition make it appealing for investors seeking affordable STR entry with reasonable yield potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Charleston earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 58 out of 100, reflecting a market where the numbers work but require careful execution. Revenue relative to property prices is average, and occupancy stability holds steady without dramatic swings—both factors that point to dependable, if unspectacular, cash flow. Seasonality is moderate: July peaks near $1,740 per month while February dips to around $1,011, a spread that's manageable with proper budgeting. The main caution flag is the below-average supply/demand balance, driven partly by a 121% surge in new listings, meaning investors need to differentiate their properties and pricing strategies to capture their share of demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Charleston

Average revenue by month in Charleston

Revenue in Charleston follows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in July at $1,740 and bottoming out in February at $1,011—a spread of roughly $729. The summer months (June–August) are the strongest performers, though October ($1,613) and November ($1,548) offer a secondary bump, giving investors two distinct windows of elevated income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Charleston

Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of Charleston's 90 active listings at 34 units, closely followed by 1-bedrooms at 29. Four-bedroom properties are notably scarce with just 5 listings, which—combined with their strong revenue performance—suggests a potential supply gap worth exploring for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Charleston

ADR in Charleston scales meaningfully with size, climbing from $84 for 1-bedroom units to $232 for 4-bedrooms—nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($148) to 4-bedroom ($232) is especially pronounced, indicating that guests booking larger properties in this market are willing to pay significantly more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Charleston

Four-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $93, well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $60 and 3-bedrooms at $52, reflecting both higher nightly rates and decent occupancy. One-bedroom units trail at $31 per available night, suggesting limited revenue efficiency for the smallest configurations despite their prevalence in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Charleston

Two-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy in Charleston at 48%, making them the most consistently booked size category. Three-bedroom units lag behind at just 35%, despite commanding higher ADR, which means investors in that segment should plan for more vacant nights and consider competitive pricing strategies.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Charleston

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $928 for 1-bedrooms to $2,804 for 4-bedroom listings—a threefold difference. The step up from 2-bedrooms ($1,545) to 3-bedrooms ($1,809) is relatively modest compared to the leap to 4-bedrooms, making the largest units the clear top earners for operators who can manage the higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Charleston

Four-bedroom properties generate $33,655 annually, nearly triple the $11,137 earned by 1-bedroom units and substantially ahead of 3-bedrooms at $21,717. For investors weighing return potential against property cost, 2-bedroom listings at $18,545 per year also represent a strong middle-ground option given their superior occupancy rates.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Charleston

Parking is universal across Charleston's listings at 100%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the market, while kitchen access (96%) and laundry (washer 89%, dryer 84%) round out the essentials guests expect. A 61% workspace prevalence signals meaningful business and remote-work traveler demand, while premium amenities like hot tubs (2%) and gyms (1%) remain rare—presenting differentiation opportunities for hosts willing to invest.

Understanding Charleston's ROI Score: 58/100

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 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating a market where reasonable returns are achievable with smart execution. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, providing a solid foundation, though the below-average supply/demand balance—driven by rapid listing growth—means investors should be strategic about property type and positioning. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a careful property selection process will help ensure the investment thesis holds up in practice.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Charleston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Charleston, West Virginia may need to obtain permits or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Charleston and the West Virginia Secretary of State's office, as local ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Charleston can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may also apply to certain neighborhoods, so prospective hosts should review any covenants or association bylaws before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in West Virginia are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel occupancy taxes. Major booking platforms often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and Charleston municipal tax authorities.

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 likely to see continued gradual growth, given the 121% year-over-year increase in active listings signaling rising investor interest. Summer months should remain the revenue peak, with July potentially pushing monthly averages toward $1,700–$1,800, while the February trough may hover near $1,000. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible if supply growth moderates, though the below-average supply/demand balance warrants monitoring—rapid listing growth without matching demand could compress margins. Investors should plan for seasonal revenue swings and build cash reserves to ride through the softer winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Charleston, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charleston?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charleston, WV is currently 40%, which slightly exceeds the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 48%, while 3-bedroom properties come in lower at 35%. These figures reflect current market conditions and individual results will depend on factors like location, pricing, and guest experience.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Charleston?

Airbnb hosts in Charleston, WV earn an average of $1,429 per month, or approximately $17,152 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $11,137 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $33,655 per year. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue to around $1,740, whereas February tends to be the slowest month at roughly $1,011.

Is Charleston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Charleston, WV holds an ROI score of 58 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" for short-term rental investment. The market benefits from affordable property prices averaging $286,133, moderate occupancy, and reasonable revenue-to-price ratios. However, the supply/demand balance is below average due to rapid listing growth, so investors should focus on property differentiation, competitive pricing, and quality amenities to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Charleston, WV is $132, which is notably lower than the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $84 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $127, 3-bedrooms at $148, and 4-bedroom properties command the highest rate at $232 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Charleston?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Charleston, WV, but hosts may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Investors should check with the City of Charleston and West Virginia state agencies for the latest requirements, as local rules can evolve. Tax obligations including state sales tax and local occupancy taxes also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Charleston?

Peak season for Airbnb in Charleston, WV runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,740. October and November also show solid performance at $1,613 and $1,548 respectively, likely driven by fall events and foliage. The slowest period is February, when average revenue dips to around $1,011, making it important for hosts to plan pricing and expenses around this seasonal pattern.

How many Airbnbs are there in Charleston?

As of April 2026, there are 90 active Airbnb listings in Charleston, WV. The market has seen significant growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom (29 listings) and 2-bedroom (34 listings) properties, while larger 4-bedroom units are scarce with just 5 listings—potentially signaling an opportunity for investors targeting that segment.

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—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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 because each month draws on its own historical performance. 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
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 is sourced as of April 2026 and market conditions may have changed since the last update. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—always verify with local authorities before investing.