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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

71 / 100

North Charleston offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

North Charleston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

North Charleston earns an ROI score of 71 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $33,891 against average home values of $429,866, the market delivers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that stands out in the South Carolina landscape. The area's proximity to Charleston's historic district, military installations, and a growing events calendar helps sustain demand across multiple traveler segments, while the current ADR of $166 sits well below the $358 state average — signaling a value-oriented market with room for strategic pricing.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 430
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $358 state avg. $166
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 38% state avg. 36%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $60
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,824
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $33,891

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

Why Investors Consider North Charleston

North Charleston appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point into the greater Charleston metro STR market, backed by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and steady occupancy.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average revenue-to-price ratio offers stronger yield potential relative to acquisition cost
  • Occupancy stability rated above average, supporting more predictable monthly cash flow
  • Proximity to Charleston's tourism, military bases, and Boeing operations drives diverse demand
  • ADR of $166 is significantly below the state average, keeping guest price sensitivity low and booking volume up
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) command premium monthly revenue exceeding $4,000, rewarding investors willing to scale up

Expert Market Assessment

"North Charleston presents a solidly attractive opportunity for STR investors who want exposure to the Charleston metro without the premium price tags found on the peninsula. Revenue peaks sharply in the summer — July brings in $4,415 on average per listing — while the slower winter months (January at $1,198) create a pronounced seasonal dip that operators need to plan around. The above-average occupancy stability and revenue-to-price ratio help offset that seasonality, and the 430 active listings suggest a market that's competitive but not oversaturated. Investors focused on 3- and 4-bedroom properties will find a sweet spot between strong demand and manageable acquisition costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding North 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

Factor North Charleston Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Above average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

North Charleston's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting the market is healthy but not accelerating rapidly, so returns will depend more on property selection and execution than on broad market tailwinds. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate the opportunity for their specific investment criteria.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in North Charleston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in North Charleston, South Carolina may be required to obtain a business license and register their property for STR use with the city. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of North Charleston and Charleston County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA and community covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any deed restrictions or neighborhood rules is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes a state accommodations tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions may layer on additional hospitality or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for North Charleston

Financing an Airbnb investment in North Charleston requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a North Charleston Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, North Charleston's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal curve, with summer months (June–July) likely remaining the revenue peak and winter months softening to the $1,200–$1,800 range. Given average market growth trends and above-average occupancy stability, ADR could see modest gains of 2–4% as the broader Charleston metro continues to attract tourism and corporate travel. Listing growth of 109% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor whether supply expansion begins to compress occupancy rates. Investors who differentiate on amenities and pricing strategy are best positioned to capture outsized returns in this evolving market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in North Charleston, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in North Charleston?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in North Charleston is currently 36%, just slightly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 39% and 5-bedroom properties trailing at 24%. Consistent management and competitive pricing can push individual properties above these market averages.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in North Charleston?
On average, Airbnb hosts in North Charleston earn approximately $2,824 per month, which works out to about $33,891 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $19,938 per year while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $107,329. Individual results depend on factors like location, property quality, guest reviews, and pricing strategy.
Is North Charleston a good market for Airbnb investment?
North Charleston scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability, making it a compelling option for investors seeking cash flow. With average home values around $429,866 and annual revenue near $33,891, the yield profile is competitive — especially for larger properties that command higher nightly rates.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in North Charleston?
The current average daily rate in North Charleston is $166, which is significantly lower than the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR climbs steadily with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $101 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $399 per night. This lower-than-state-average ADR reflects the market's value positioning and helps keep booking volume healthy.
Are short-term rentals legal in North Charleston?
Short-term rentals operate in North Charleston, but hosts may need to obtain appropriate business licenses and comply with local registration requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of North Charleston and Charleston County for the most current rules on permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in North Charleston?
Peak season in North Charleston runs from late spring through summer, with July topping the charts at $4,415 in average monthly revenue. June ($3,929), May ($3,581), and April ($3,483) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($1,198) and February ($1,618), creating a roughly 3.7x spread between the highest and lowest earning months — a pattern investors should factor into their cash flow planning.
How many Airbnbs are there in North Charleston?
North Charleston currently has 430 active Airbnb listings. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (125 listings) and 3-bedroom (142 listings) properties, which together account for over 60% of the market. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 109%, indicating significant new investor interest in this market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in North Charleston?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for North 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder 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. 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 North Charleston and surrounding areas
  • Occupancy rate and average daily rate trends across property sizes and time periods
  • Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue by bedroom count
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

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