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

Columbia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbia, SC presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $356,923 and annual revenue averaging $21,053 across active listings. The market's 452 active Airbnb listings generate an average daily rate of $140—well below the $358 state average—suggesting an affordable market where investors can acquire properties at a lower cost basis. While occupancy sits at 33% (slightly under the 38% state average), the revenue-to-price ratio remains competitive, and the market's ties to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and state government create diversified demand drivers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbia 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 Columbia

Columbia attracts STR investors because it combines a low cost of entry with diversified institutional demand from a major university, military installation, and state capital functions.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbia represents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who prioritize affordable entry and diversified demand over peak-market yields. The ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects solid revenue-to-price fundamentals tempered by below-average market growth trends and an expanding supply base. Seasonality is a key consideration—monthly revenue ranges from $997 in January to $2,362 in October, a spread of more than 2x that rewards hosts who optimize pricing around fall events and university schedules. Investors targeting 3- to 5-bedroom properties will find the strongest revenue profiles, but should plan for softer winter months when building cash reserves."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbia

Average revenue by month in Columbia

Revenue in Columbia shows pronounced seasonality, peaking in October at $2,362 and bottoming out in January at just $997—a spread of nearly 2.4x. The strongest earning corridor runs from August through November, suggesting that fall events, university activity, and football season are the primary revenue engines for local hosts.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbia

One- and 2-bedroom units dominate Columbia's supply with 146 and 144 listings respectively, followed by 114 three-bedroom properties. Larger formats are notably scarce—only 30 four-bedroom and 9 five-bedroom listings—which could signal reduced competition and pricing power for investors targeting group and family travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbia

ADR scales steeply with property size in Columbia, from $74 for studios up to $371 for 5-bedroom homes, representing a nearly 5x premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($165) to 4 bedrooms ($247) is particularly sharp, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay for additional space in a market where larger homes are limited.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbia

RevPAN climbs consistently with bedroom count, from $22 for studios to $108 for 5-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes not only command higher rates but also convert enough bookings to justify the premium. Four-bedroom units at $73 RevPAN offer a compelling middle ground for investors seeking strong per-night revenue without the operational complexity of the largest homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbia

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes in Columbia, ranging from 29% for 5-bedroom homes to 36% for 3-bedroom units. This narrow band suggests that demand is fairly evenly distributed, though 3-bedroom properties edge ahead—likely appealing to the broadest mix of families, small groups, and extended-stay guests.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbia

Monthly revenue diverges dramatically by size, with 5-bedroom properties averaging $4,620 per month compared to just $1,189 for 1-bedroom units—nearly a 4x difference. Three-bedroom homes represent an attractive inflection point at $2,370/month, offering meaningfully higher revenue than 2-bedrooms ($1,643) while remaining more accessible than 4- and 5-bedroom investments.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbia

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $55,450, followed by 4-bedrooms at $41,436 and 3-bedrooms at $28,447. When weighed against Columbia's average home values of $356,923, the larger configurations offer the most compelling gross yield, though investors should account for higher maintenance and furnishing costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbia

Parking (97%), kitchen (92%), and self check-in (88%) are near-universal among Columbia listings, establishing these as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like a pool (5%), gym (3%), and EV charger (2%) remain rare—offering potential competitive advantages for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Columbia's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Columbia's ROI Score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting an Average revenue-to-price ratio and stable (though not exceptional) occupancy fundamentals. The below-average Market Growth Trend score is worth monitoring, particularly given the 146% year-over-year increase in listings that may intensify competition. Investors should pair these metrics with direct regulatory research and a property-level underwriting approach to confirm that individual deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia

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

Permit Requirements

Columbia, South Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Columbia and Richland County before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Columbia can include occupancy limits per bedroom, noise ordinances, minimum-stay requirements in certain zoning districts, and parking provisions for guests. HOA and neighborhood covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in South Carolina are generally subject to state and local accommodations taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes on the host's behalf, but investors should confirm their full 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 Columbia can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbia's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 146% year-over-year increase in active listings, which may put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR. That said, the market's strong fall seasonality—with October revenues peaking at $2,362—suggests event-driven demand (football season, homecoming, legislative sessions) will continue to anchor the revenue calendar. Investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 30–35% range with ADR potentially edging up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Revenue estimates point to relatively stable performance, though new entrants should factor in the expanding supply when modeling returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbia, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia, SC is currently 33%, which falls slightly below the state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings leading at 36% and studios and 5-bedroom properties hovering around 29–30%. Hosts who optimize pricing, maintain strong reviews, and target peak-demand periods can typically exceed these market averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia?

Airbnb hosts in Columbia earn an average of $1,754 per month, or approximately $21,053 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size—studios average about $1,115/month while 5-bedroom properties can bring in around $4,620/month. Peak months like October see average revenues climb to $2,362, while January tends to be the softest month at $997.

Is Columbia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbia earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a favorable revenue-to-price ratio thanks to average home values around $356,923, along with diversified demand from the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and state government. While occupancy and market growth trend slightly below average, the low acquisition cost makes it easier to achieve positive cash flow compared to more expensive South Carolina markets.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Columbia is $140, which is significantly lower than the $358 South Carolina state average. ADR scales with property size, starting at $74 for studios and rising to $371 for 5-bedroom properties. The relatively affordable nightly rates reflect Columbia's positioning as an inland market rather than a coastal resort destination, but this also means lower property acquisition costs for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Short-term rentals do operate in Columbia, SC, with over 450 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators may need to obtain a business license and comply with local zoning, permitting, and tax requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Columbia and Richland County for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbia?

Peak season for Airbnb in Columbia runs from late summer through fall, with October being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,362. August ($2,006) and September ($2,090) also perform well, likely driven by the University of South Carolina's fall semester, football season, and related events. The slowest period is winter, with January averaging just $997 in revenue, making it important for hosts to price strategically during off-peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia?

Columbia currently has 452 active Airbnb listings. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 146% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (146 listings) and 2-bedroom (144 listings) properties, with 3-bedrooms close behind at 114 listings. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) remain relatively scarce, which could present opportunity for investors targeting that segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbia 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 up the results 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 for the Columbia, SC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current listing performance
• Historical monthly and annual revenue figures derived from trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns covering studios through 5-bedroom listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.