There is no single South Carolina hotel price, because rates change sharply by city, month and weekday. When we read the sources in October 2026, KAYAK’s South Carolina page listed an average double room of about $177 per night, with December cheapest at about $146 and March priciest at about $205. Treat these as dated planning benchmarks, not quotes.
How Much Do Hotels Cost in South Carolina?
KAYAK’s statewide page showed Sunday as the cheapest stay night (about $160) and Friday as the priciest (about $201). The same page’s FAQ gave a different average of $197, so its numbers are best used as a rough guide rather than a precise annual average.
| Statewide KAYAK benchmark | Reading (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Average double room | About $177 per night |
| Cheapest month | December, about $146 |
| Priciest month | March, about $205 |
| Cheapest weekday | Sunday, about $160 |
| Priciest weekday | Friday, about $201 |
For a three-night example, multiplying the $177 benchmark by three gives about $531 before taxes and optional extras. That is arithmetic on one benchmark, not a quote.
How Do South Carolina Hotel Prices Differ by City?
Coastal and historic markets cost much more than the statewide figure. These KAYAK city pages were read in October 2026:
| City | Average | Cheapest month | Priciest month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | About $298 (double room) | January, about $210 | March, about $387 |
| Myrtle Beach | About $188 (double room) | December, about $126 | July, about $302 |
| Hilton Head Island | Not stated | November, about $190 | May, about $380 |
| Columbia | Not stated | January, about $109 | October, about $186 |
These pages sometimes contradict their own summary tables, so use them as guides. For deeper local detail, see the Charleston hotel cost guide, the Myrtle Beach hotel cost guide and the Hilton Head hotel cost guide.
When Are South Carolina Hotels Cheapest?
Statewide, December was the lowest month and March the highest. Locally the pattern changes: Myrtle Beach peaks in July, Charleston in March and Hilton Head in May. Winter is the low season in most beach markets, while Columbia’s priciest month in the data was October. Festivals, weddings, sports events and holiday weekends can push a specific date well above any monthly average.
Sunday was the cheapest weekday statewide, Charleston was cheapest on Tuesday, and Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head were cheapest on Sunday. Friday and Saturday were the priciest in most markets. Compare nearby dates for your own trip, and compare refundable and nonrefundable rates separately.
Which Lodging Types Can Fit a South Carolina Trip?
South Carolina offers chain hotels, historic inns, beachfront resorts, condos and vacation rentals. We did not find a reliable statewide average for each category, so compare exact-date quotes rather than relying on a category label. A kitchen, free parking or breakfast can make a higher nightly rate cheaper over a full trip. For rentals, see our hotel versus VRBO cost comparison.
How Can You Save on a South Carolina Hotel?
- Pick the destination first, because Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Charleston have very different price levels.
- Target the low season for that destination, usually winter.
- Compare nearby days, and try Sunday through Thursday stays where your plans allow.
- Compare the same room and cancellation terms across booking sites. See booking direct versus Expedia and Hotels.com.
- Reserve a refundable rate, then recheck before the cancellation deadline.
- Compare the full total including parking, breakfast and resort fees.
What Taxes and Fees Apply to South Carolina Hotels?
The South Carolina Department of Revenue lists a 5% state sales tax plus a 2% state accommodations tax on lodging. Local Sales and Use Tax collected through the Department may also apply, and many counties and municipalities impose their own accommodations taxes, so the final rate depends on the property’s location. Check the city or county for the exact rate.
Since May 2025, the FTC fee rule generally requires short-term lodging sellers to show the total price including known mandatory fees. Government taxes and optional add-ons can still be shown separately. See our resort fees guide and the hotel occupancy tax by state guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Hotel Costs
How much does a hotel cost in South Carolina?
KAYAK listed an average double room of about $177 per night statewide in October 2026, with December cheapest at about $146 and March priciest at about $205. Prices vary by city and date, so use this as a planning benchmark rather than a quote.
What is the cheapest month for South Carolina hotels?
Statewide, KAYAK showed December as the cheapest month at about $146. Locally it varies: Myrtle Beach was cheapest in December (about $126), Charleston in January (about $210) and Hilton Head Island in November (about $190).
Is Myrtle Beach cheaper than Charleston for hotels?
On KAYAK data read in October 2026, yes. Myrtle Beach showed an average double room of about $188 against about $298 in Charleston. Exact dates can change this, so compare the same dates.
What is the cheapest day to stay at a South Carolina hotel?
KAYAK showed Sunday as the cheapest statewide stay night at about $160 and Friday as the priciest at about $201. Individual hotels and event dates can differ.
What taxes apply to South Carolina hotel rooms?
The South Carolina Department of Revenue lists a 5% state sales tax plus a 2% state accommodations tax. Local Sales and Use Tax and local accommodations taxes may also apply, depending on the city or county.
Do South Carolina hotels charge resort fees?
Some resorts do. Under the FTC fee rule in effect since May 2025, mandatory fees that are known upfront generally must be included in the displayed total price, while government taxes and optional extras can be shown separately.
Bottom Line on South Carolina Hotel Costs
Use city-level data instead of one statewide average. KAYAK showed about $177 statewide, about $188 in Myrtle Beach and about $298 in Charleston. Compare exact dates, then check the full total with the 7% state tax, local taxes and any fees.
