Airbnb prices in South Carolina vary widely by destination, travel dates, property size, and guest count. Current short-term-rental market data show a large difference between inland destinations such as Greenville and higher-priced coastal markets such as Charleston and Hilton Head Island. Your final cost can also include cleaning charges, service fees, taxes, pet fees, and other disclosed expenses.
Quick Answer
In 2026, selected South Carolina short-term-rental markets have average daily rates of about $162 in Greenville, $280 in Myrtle Beach, $434 in Charleston, and $483 in Hilton Head Island. These are market benchmarks, not guaranteed listing prices, and your final checkout total may be higher after service fees and taxes.
Key Takeaways
- Coastal markets such as Charleston and Hilton Head Island generally have higher market averages than Greenville and many other inland areas.
- A market average daily rate is not the same as a listing’s advertised base rate or your final after-tax checkout total.
- Property size, beach access, guest capacity, amenities, events, minimum stays, and travel dates can all change the price.
- Compare listings using the complete trip total divided by the number of nights, not the largest nightly-price number shown on the search page.
- Hosts should set rates from comparable local listings and property expenses rather than relying on a single statewide formula.
What Are the Average Prices for Airbnb Rentals in South Carolina?
There is no single dependable statewide Airbnb price because South Carolina includes urban neighborhoods, inland college towns, lake communities, beach resorts, private rooms, studios, condos, and large vacation homes. A better approach is to compare current market data for the destination you plan to visit.
The following benchmarks use AirDNA data updated July 5, 2026, covering completed market activity through June 2026:
| South Carolina Market | 2026 Market ADR | What It Suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville | $162 | A comparatively affordable urban and Upstate benchmark. |
| Myrtle Beach | $280 | A broad coastal market with condos, studios, and large family rentals. |
| Charleston | $434 | A higher-cost historic and coastal city market. |
| Hilton Head Island | $483 | A premium resort market with many multi-bedroom homes and villas. |
Note: AirDNA defines average daily rate, or ADR, as revenue per booked night. Its figures include host cleaning fees but exclude Airbnb guest service fees and taxes. They also cover short-term rentals distributed through Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and connected property-management systems. ADR is therefore a market benchmark, not the exact base price you will see for every Airbnb listing.
Among these selected June 2026 markets, Greenville’s $162 ADR was less than half Charleston’s $434 ADR and about one-third of Hilton Head Island’s $483 ADR.
Individual listings can fall below or rise far above these figures. A private room or small inland studio may cost much less than the market ADR, while a beachfront home for a large group can cost several hundred dollars more per night.
How Do Prices Vary by Location Within the State?
Location is one of the strongest influences on South Carolina vacation-rental prices. Properties near beaches, historic districts, golf courses, marinas, entertainment areas, and major event venues often attract more demand than similar properties farther away.
Charleston combines historic-district demand, restaurants, wedding travel, business travel, and access to nearby beaches. Listings within or close to the most visited areas can cost much more than rentals in outer neighborhoods or nearby communities.
Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach offer a wide range of inventory. Small condos can be relatively affordable, while oceanfront units, large homes, and rentals during busy vacation periods may command much higher rates.
Hilton Head Island is a resort-oriented market with villas, golf access, beach access, and many larger properties. Its market ADR is higher partly because the listing mix includes premium and multi-bedroom accommodations.
Greenville and Columbia generally provide more inland urban inventory. Prices can still increase around university events, graduations, concerts, sports weekends, conventions, and major festivals, but travelers may find more lower-cost options outside the busiest dates.
What Are the Most Common Types of Airbnb Rentals in South Carolina?
South Carolina has accommodations for solo travelers, couples, families, and large groups. The most common options include:
- Private rooms: Usually the lowest-cost choice, although the guest shares some spaces with the host or other visitors.
- Studios and one-bedroom apartments: Common in cities and near beaches, with enough space for one or two travelers.
- Beach condos: Popular around Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island. Building amenities, ocean views, parking, and resort charges can affect the total.
- Whole houses: Often a better value per person for families or groups, but the total booking price is higher.
- Cottages and cabins: Found near lakes, smaller towns, and rural destinations.
- Treehouses, tiny homes, and other unusual stays: Limited supply and distinctive design can make these properties more expensive than conventional rentals of a similar size.
- Waterfront homes: Lake access, a private dock, marsh views, or direct beach access may place a property in a premium category.
When comparing different property types, consider both the full booking total and the number of travelers. A $400 whole home for eight guests may cost less per person than two separate $225 hotel rooms or apartments.
Key Factors That Affect Airbnb Prices in South Carolina
The same property may have a different price from one week to the next. Hosts can use custom rates for weekends, holidays, events, and high-demand periods, while discounts may apply to longer stays or open dates.
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Location and Attractions
Proximity to a beach, downtown district, university, wedding venue, golf course, lake, festival site, or major attraction can raise demand. A rental several miles away may offer more space or parking for a lower total, but transportation costs should be included in the comparison.
Do not compare two properties by city name alone. Check the map, estimated travel time, parking rules, and whether the location reduces the need for a rental car or paid parking.
Property Size and Amenities
Bedroom count, bathroom count, maximum occupancy, and property type are more useful pricing signals than square footage alone. A home that sleeps ten people normally competes with other large homes rather than with one-bedroom apartments.
Amenities that may support a higher rate include:
- Direct beach or lake access
- A private pool or hot tub
- Reserved or free parking
- A full kitchen
- Pet-friendly rules
- Washer and dryer access
- A private dock or boat access
- Outdoor dining and fire-pit areas
- Accessibility features
- High-speed internet and a dedicated workspace
No reliable statewide percentage shows how much each amenity adds. The effect depends on the destination, season, property quality, and available alternatives.
Seasonal Demand Variations
Beach destinations often experience stronger demand during warm-weather vacation periods, while cities may see spikes around festivals, conventions, weddings, graduations, sports events, and holiday weekends. Lake and mountain areas can follow different patterns.
Instead of applying a fixed statewide seasonal percentage, search the same destination across several date ranges. This reveals the actual difference for the property type and guest count you need.
Pro Tip: Repeat your search using the same number of guests, bedrooms, and amenities. Changing all three at once can make a date comparison misleading.
How to Calculate the True Cost of a South Carolina Airbnb
The nightly number displayed in a market report or listing calendar may not equal the amount you pay. Use the complete booking breakdown before deciding which rental is cheaper.
Effective nightly cost = final reservation total ÷ number of nights
The total may include:
| Cost Component | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Nightly price | The host’s rate for each date. Weekend and custom calendar rates may differ. |
| Cleaning fee | Usually charged once per reservation, so it has a larger effect on short stays. |
| Airbnb service fee | Depends on the listing’s fee structure and reservation details. |
| Extra guest or pet fee | May apply when the guest count exceeds a host’s included occupancy or when pets are permitted for an additional charge. |
| Taxes | State and local taxes depend on the listing address and stay length. |
| Other disclosed charges | Some professional listings may have resort, linen, management, community, or parking charges. |
Airbnb states that guests in the United States see a fee-inclusive total before taxes while browsing. Taxes collected by Airbnb appear before booking, although a host may still have other properly disclosed tax obligations in some jurisdictions.
Warning: Do not compare one listing’s base nightly rate with another listing’s fee-inclusive total. Open the full price breakdown for the same dates and guest count before deciding which stay costs less.
What Taxes Apply to Airbnb Stays in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Revenue says qualifying short-term accommodations are generally subject to:
- A 5% state sales tax
- A 2% state accommodations tax
- Applicable local sales and use taxes
- Possible county or municipal accommodations taxes and fees
Airbnb’s South Carolina tax guidance lists additional charges in destinations including Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach-area communities, Columbia, and several coastal municipalities. The applicable amount depends on the exact listing address and reservation length.
Mandatory cleaning charges and service fees may also be included in the taxable amount. Review the tax line in the booking breakdown instead of applying one statewide percentage to every property.
How to Time Your Booking for the Best Rates
There is no universal booking window that guarantees the lowest Airbnb price. The right timing depends on how flexible your dates are and how much inventory is available.
Book earlier when:
- You need a large home with several bedrooms.
- You are traveling during a holiday, festival, graduation, wedding weekend, or school break.
- You require pet-friendly, accessible, beachfront, or waterfront accommodations.
- Your dates cannot change.
Monitor prices when:
- You can shift the trip by a few days.
- You are considering several neighborhoods or nearby cities.
- You can use a smaller property or private room.
- There is still substantial availability.
Weekday stays may be cheaper than weekends in some markets, but this is not guaranteed. Business travel, events, university schedules, and minimum-stay rules can reverse the usual pattern.
Pro Tip: Compare three searches: your preferred dates, dates shifted by two or three days, and a nearby destination. Use the final total divided by nights for each option.
Finding Budget-Friendly Airbnb Options in South Carolina
Travelers looking for a lower total should begin with inland cities, outer neighborhoods, private rooms, studios, and properties without premium waterfront features. Greenville’s June 2026 market ADR of $162 was substantially below the selected Charleston and Hilton Head Island benchmarks, although individual Greenville listings may still cost more or less.
Use the following budget levers:
| Budget Strategy | Why It May Help |
|---|---|
| Choose an inland or outer-neighborhood location | You may avoid the premium attached to direct beach, historic-district, or resort access. |
| Compare private rooms and studios | Smaller accommodations often have lower totals than whole homes. |
| Increase the stay length | A one-time cleaning fee is spread across more nights, and some hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts. |
| Remove nonessential amenities | A property without a pool, hot tub, ocean view, or private dock may cost less. |
| Compare the cost per guest | A larger whole home may be economical when the total is shared by several travelers. |
| Check parking and transportation | A cheaper property may not save money if it requires paid parking or frequent rides. |
What Unique Airbnb Stays Should You Consider in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s unusual rentals include treehouses, tiny homes, converted structures, A-frame cottages, lake cabins, and properties overlooking marshes or tidal creeks. These stays may offer more privacy and character than a standard apartment, but limited supply can increase prices on popular dates.
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Unique Architectural Designs
A treehouse, tiny home, vintage cottage, or A-frame property can be memorable, but review the practical details before paying a design premium. Check ceiling height, stairs, bathroom access, climate control, kitchen facilities, parking, and whether the sleeping arrangement suits every guest.
Descriptions such as “treehouse” or “tiny home” do not guarantee isolation or a rural setting. Examine the map, photographs, property boundaries, and recent reviews.
Waterfront Access Rentals
Waterfront listings may offer a dock, lake access, marsh views, pond access, or direct beach entry. These features are not interchangeable. Confirm exactly what is private, whether swimming or boating is permitted, and whether equipment is included.
Also review parking, stairs, child-safety information, pet rules, and weather-related cancellation terms. A water view alone does not mean the property provides usable water access.
Maximizing Your Budget for an Airbnb Experience in South Carolina
A lower nightly rate does not always produce the lowest trip cost. Use a complete-trip budget that includes lodging, food, parking, transportation, and activity costs.
- Use the kitchen: Preparing breakfast or several meals can reduce restaurant spending.
- Check laundry access: A washer and dryer may allow lighter packing on longer trips.
- Confirm included parking: Free on-site parking can be valuable in busy coastal and downtown areas.
- Share a larger property: Families and groups should compare the total per person.
- Read the house rules: Pet restrictions, quiet hours, visitor limits, and checkout requirements may affect whether the property fits your plans.
- Review cancellation terms: A slightly more expensive flexible booking may provide better value when plans are uncertain.
- Check the map: A central property may reduce driving, fuel, parking, and rideshare costs.
What Amenities Can You Expect for Different Price Ranges?
Fixed statewide price tiers are unreliable because a $200 rental can represent a premium studio in one area or a basic multi-bedroom home in another. It is more useful to compare relative property categories.
| Relative Category | Common Features | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-cost options | Private room, studio, basic kitchen access, Wi-Fi, shared outdoor space, or an outer-neighborhood location. | Shared spaces, parking, bathroom access, host presence, and transportation. |
| Standard whole-property options | Private entrance, equipped kitchen, living space, laundry, multiple beds, patio, or dedicated parking. | Guest capacity, bed types, cleaning fee, cancellation rules, and distance from attractions. |
| Premium options | Waterfront setting, private pool, hot tub, luxury finishes, resort access, multiple bedrooms, or event-friendly gathering spaces. | Resort fees, pool heating, parking limits, access restrictions, minimum stays, and property rules. |
Never assume an amenity is included simply because it appears in a photograph. Read the amenity list and description, and ask the host before booking when a feature is essential.
How to Avoid Common Pricing Pitfalls When Booking
The safest way to avoid pricing surprises is to compare complete reservation details rather than relying on the first search-result number.
Review the Full Price Breakdown
Airbnb’s U.S. search display includes mandatory fees in the total shown before taxes, but you should still open the price breakdown. Check for cleaning, pet, extra-guest, resort, linen, management, community, and parking charges where applicable.
Also read the listing description for any properly disclosed charges that may be collected separately. Ask the host for clarification before booking if the description and checkout page appear inconsistent.
Use Flexible Booking Dates
Search several arrival dates and stay lengths. A one-day shift may change weekend pricing, minimum-night requirements, or availability. Longer stays may also qualify for a discount or reduce the cleaning fee’s effective cost per night.
Do not assume that waiting will produce a lower price. Desirable properties may sell out, especially when your group needs several bedrooms or a specific amenity.
Check Minimum Stays and Cancellation Policies
A host may require two, three, or more nights during busy periods. A lower nightly rate can therefore produce a higher total if the minimum stay exceeds your trip length.
Cancellation terms also affect value. Review the refund deadlines, nonrefundable options, and rules for changing dates. A flexible reservation can be worth more than a cheaper nonrefundable reservation when travel plans are uncertain.
Note: Save a copy of the booking breakdown, house rules, and cancellation terms shown when you reserve. These records make it easier to confirm what was included.
How Should Hosts Set Airbnb Prices in South Carolina?
Hosts should not start with a single statewide average. A useful pricing comparison includes properties with the same neighborhood, rental type, bedroom count, guest capacity, amenities, quality level, and availability pattern.
A practical host-pricing process is:
- Identify true comparable listings. Compare similar properties rather than every rental in the city.
- Review the guest’s total price. A low base rate can still appear expensive after mandatory fees.
- Estimate operating costs. Include cleaning, utilities, supplies, insurance, repairs, maintenance, platform fees, taxes, licensing, and management.
- Account for occupancy. A high nightly rate is not helpful when too few nights are booked.
- Adjust by date. Use local demand, events, seasonality, and available competing inventory.
- Review local rules. City, county, condominium, homeowners-association, and zoning requirements may affect whether and how a property can operate.
- Track net results. Evaluate actual revenue after expenses rather than relying on gross market averages.
Warning: Market ADR and annual-revenue estimates are not guaranteed income. Hosts should verify regulations and taxes with the relevant state and local authorities and evaluate the property’s complete cash flow before making an investment decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Airbnb per night in South Carolina?
The price depends on the destination and property. June 2026 market ADRs were about $162 in Greenville, $280 in Myrtle Beach, $434 in Charleston, and $483 in Hilton Head Island. Individual private rooms and studios may cost less, while large beachfront homes may cost far more.
Which South Carolina destinations tend to have higher Airbnb prices?
Charleston and Hilton Head Island have higher current market ADRs than Greenville and many inland areas. Beachfront locations, resort communities, historic districts, and larger group properties can also command premium rates.
What fees and taxes are added to a South Carolina Airbnb?
The total may include a cleaning fee, Airbnb service fee, pet or extra-guest charges, state sales tax, state accommodations tax, and applicable local taxes. The exact amount depends on the listing address, stay length, host settings, and local jurisdiction.
When should I book an Airbnb in South Carolina?
Book earlier when your dates are fixed, you need a large property, or you are traveling during a major event or holiday. When your plans are flexible, compare several date ranges and nearby locations. No single booking window guarantees the lowest price.
How much should I charge per night for my South Carolina Airbnb?
Compare similar rentals in the same neighborhood with matching bedroom count, guest capacity, amenities, and property quality. Then account for operating expenses, taxes, platform fees, seasonal demand, and expected occupancy. A citywide ADR is a benchmark, not a recommended rate for every property.
What is the 75-55 rule for Airbnb?
The 75-55 rule is not an official Airbnb pricing policy. Some short-term-rental investors use the term for an informal screening benchmark involving occupancy and rate assumptions, but definitions vary. Hosts should use local comparable properties, realistic expenses, and property-level cash-flow projections instead of treating the rule as a guarantee.
Is Airbnb worth it for hosts in 2026?
It can be profitable for some hosts, but not for every property. The answer depends on purchase or rental cost, financing, occupancy, nightly rate, cleaning, utilities, repairs, insurance, management, taxes, licensing, and local regulations. Evaluate expected net income rather than gross revenue alone.
Conclusion
Airbnb prices in South Carolina depend more on the specific market, property, and travel dates than on a single statewide average. Current 2026 data place Greenville below major coastal markets, while Charleston and Hilton Head Island have substantially higher market ADRs.
For the most accurate comparison, search with your exact dates and guest count, open the complete price breakdown, include taxes, and divide the final total by the number of nights. Travelers should also compare location, parking, cancellation rules, and included amenities before choosing the lowest-looking rate.
Sources
- AirDNA Charleston Short-Term Rental Market Data — June 2026 ADR, occupancy, listings, and market methodology.
- AirDNA Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Market Data — June 2026 Myrtle Beach ADR and market performance.
- AirDNA Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rental Market Data — June 2026 Hilton Head Island ADR and market performance.
- AirDNA Greenville Short-Term Rental Market Data — June 2026 Greenville ADR and market performance.
- Airbnb Pricing Display in the United States — how mandatory fees and taxes are displayed to U.S. guests.
- South Carolina Department of Revenue: Accommodations — state sales tax, accommodations tax, local taxes, and host filing responsibilities.
