Port Royal, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Port Royal Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Royal, SC presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity in the Lowcountry, with an ROI score of 66 out of 100 driven by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and steady occupancy stability. With just 43 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $41,534, this compact coastal market offers investors a chance to enter a relatively uncrowded space. The seasonal revenue curve peaks sharply in summer — July alone averages $7,831 — making it well-suited for investors who can optimize pricing around high-demand travel months.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Port Royal

Port Royal attracts STR investors with its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics and Lowcountry coastal appeal in a market that remains relatively small and manageable.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 66, Port Royal earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation — a market where the numbers support investment but require thoughtful planning around seasonality. Revenue concentrates heavily in the summer months, with June and July generating roughly 3–6 times the income of winter months like January and December. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a standout factor, suggesting that property acquisition costs here haven't outpaced earning potential the way they have in some neighboring resort markets. Investors who can weather a quieter October-through-February stretch will find that the summer surge and shoulder-season activity in March through May make for a compelling annual return profile."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Royal

Average revenue by month in Port Royal

Port Royal exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($7,831) earning nearly six times what January ($1,327) produces. The summer months of June through August account for the lion's share of annual income, while a secondary shoulder peak in March–May keeps revenue above $3,800, giving investors roughly six months of solid earning potential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Royal

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply with 19 of 43 listings (44%), followed by 14 three-bedroom and just 6 four-bedroom properties. The scarcity of 4-bedroom listings could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger homes, especially given their higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Port Royal

ADR scales meaningfully with size, jumping from $167 for 2-bedroom properties to $233 for 3-bedrooms and $304 for 4-bedrooms. The 82% premium that 4-bedroom listings command over 2-bedrooms suggests strong group and family demand willing to pay up for more space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Royal

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $78, edging out 4-bedrooms at $76 and well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $59. This indicates that 3-bedroom units hit a sweet spot between occupancy and nightly rate, making them particularly efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Royal

Occupancy decreases as property size increases: 2-bedrooms lead at 36%, 3-bedrooms sit at 34%, and 4-bedrooms trail at 25%. While larger homes command higher nightly rates, their lower fill rates mean investors should model conservative occupancy assumptions for 4-bedroom properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Royal

Monthly revenue climbs with bedroom count — 2-bedrooms average $2,770, 3-bedrooms earn $3,886, and 4-bedrooms top the chart at $5,022. The $2,252 gap between the smallest and largest configurations demonstrates how higher ADR more than compensates for the lower occupancy of bigger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Royal

Four-bedroom properties lead with $60,275 in average annual revenue, outperforming 3-bedrooms ($46,636) and 2-bedrooms ($33,249) by a significant margin. For investors evaluating return potential, the jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms adds roughly $13,400 in annual income, while moving from 3 to 4 bedrooms adds another $13,600.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Royal

Kitchens (100%), parking (98%), self check-in (95%), and laundry facilities (95%/93%) are essentially table stakes in Port Royal, signaling that guests expect a fully equipped home-away-from-home experience. Outdoor amenities like patios (79%), backyards (67%), and outdoor furniture (58%) further reflect the Lowcountry lifestyle expectations, while only 12% of listings offer beach access — a potential differentiator for properties that can deliver it.

Understanding Port Royal's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Port Royal's ROI score of 66 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 weighting. The below-average market growth trend is worth monitoring, as it suggests the pace of revenue or demand expansion has slowed relative to other markets. Pairing this data with on-the-ground research into local regulations and neighborhood-level property values will help investors determine whether Port Royal's favorable yield dynamics align with their specific investment criteria.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Royal

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Royal, South Carolina may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the Town of Port Royal. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with local planning and zoning authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina coastal communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and rules around signage or exterior modifications. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions is an important step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and potentially a tourism development fee. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations 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 Port Royal can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Port Royal's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to remain intact, with peak monthly revenues likely holding in the $6,000–$8,000 range during June and July. The 175% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could moderate occupancy rates slightly if supply outpaces demand. ADR may see modest increases of 2–4% as the market matures, though winter months will likely remain soft with revenues in the $1,300–$2,000 range. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the pronounced off-season while capitalizing on the strong summer earnings window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Royal, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Royal?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Port Royal is currently 32%, which trails the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 36%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 25%. The lower overall figure reflects the market's strong seasonality, where summer months drive the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Royal?

Airbnb hosts in Port Royal earn an average of $3,461 per month, which translates to approximately $41,534 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $60,275 per year, while 2-bedroom properties bring in closer to $33,249. Summer months dramatically outperform winter, with July averaging $7,831 compared to January's $1,327.

Is Port Royal a good market for Airbnb investment?

Port Royal scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability, meaning your earning potential is favorable relative to what you'd pay for property. The main considerations are pronounced seasonality and a below-average market growth trend, so investors should plan for leaner winter months and evaluate whether the strong summer earnings compensate sufficiently.

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

The average daily rate in Port Royal is $207, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. Rates scale with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $167 per night, 3-bedrooms come in at $233, and 4-bedroom properties command $304 per night. The lower ADR compared to the state average reflects Port Royal's positioning as a more affordable Lowcountry alternative to nearby resort destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Royal?

Short-term rentals operate in Port Royal, SC, as evidenced by the 43 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and operational requirements can change, so prospective investors should contact the Town of Port Royal's planning department and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Royal?

Peak season in Port Royal runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $7,831 in revenue. June follows closely at $6,059, and August rounds out the summer at $4,716. The shoulder season of March through May also performs well, with revenues ranging from $3,805 to $4,253. The slowest months are December and January, where average revenue drops to around $1,300–$1,400.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Royal?

As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in Port Royal. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 19 two-bedroom listings making up the largest segment, followed by 14 three-bedroom and 6 four-bedroom properties. This relatively small inventory means less direct competition but also a market where new supply can shift dynamics quickly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Royal?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Port Royal 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like July's $7,831 average and quieter periods like January's $1,327. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Port Royal and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends tracked over trailing 12-month periods
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size and month
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.