How Much Can I Make on Airbnb in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is one of the most profitable Airbnb markets on the East Coast. With over 13 million visitors annually and peak seasons stretching from spring through fall, vacation rental hosts in Myrtle Beach can generate significant income—but the numbers depend heavily on location, seasonality, and how you position your property.

Here's the bottom line: Myrtle Beach Airbnb hosts earn an average of $45,000 to $72,000 per year in gross rental income from a single property. That's roughly **$3,750 to $6,000 per month** across the full year—but earnings are heavily skewed toward peak season months (May–September), when daily rates can reach $200–$350+ for oceanfront properties.

Awning manages 20,000+ vacation rental properties across all 50 states, including hundreds in Myrtle Beach. Here's what our data shows about the market's true earning potential, key drivers of income, and how to maximize your return.

Average Nightly Rates and Occupancy

Myrtle Beach nightly rates vary dramatically by location and season. Here's what current market data shows:

Off-Season (November–March): $85–$140/night

Shoulder Season (April, October): $135–$185/night

Peak Season (May–September): $180–$350+/night

These rates depend on several factors:

• Oceanfront or boardwalk location: Commands 40–60% premium over non-oceanfront properties
• Property size and amenities: 2-bedroom units earn $100–$160; 3–4 bedroom homes earn $180–$400+
• Distance from main attractions: Properties within 0.5 miles of attractions earn 20–30% more
• Guest reviews and rating: Superhost status typically allows 10–15% higher nightly rates

Average occupancy rates in Myrtle Beach run 55–70% annually—well above the national average of 50%. Oceanfront properties typically hit 65–75% occupancy, while inland properties average 50–60%.

Combining these metrics: a mid-range 2-bedroom property at $140/night with 60% occupancy yields:

• $140 × 365 days × 60% occupancy = $30,660 gross annual revenue

A 3-bedroom oceanfront home at $240/night with 70% occupancy generates:

• $240 × 365 days × 70% occupancy = $61,320 gross annual revenue

To understand your earning potential more precisely, use our Airbnb Estimator Tool to model different property types and occupancy scenarios.

Monthly and Annual Earnings

Seasonality is critical in Myrtle Beach. Revenue is NOT evenly distributed across months. Here's a realistic monthly breakdown for a mid-range oceanfront 2-bedroom property:

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Key takeaway: Four months (June–September) generate 47% of annual revenue. Winter months are survival mode—hosts break even or lose money without strong operational efficiency.

After operating expenses (property management, cleaning, utilities, maintenance, taxes, insurance—typically 35–45% of gross revenue), net income averages $25,000–$30,000 annually for a typical 2-bedroom property.

For premium oceanfront 3-4 bedroom homes with nightly rates of $280–$400, gross revenue can reach $55,000–$75,000 annually, with net income of $35,000–$45,000 after expenses.

Seasonality and Peak Booking Periods

Myrtle Beach operates on a predictable seasonal calendar that drives all rental income:

Peak Season (May–September): School summer break, family beach vacations, warm weather. Book rates advance 4–8 weeks. Occupancy hits 80–95%. Revenue concentration: 47–52% of annual total.

Shoulder Season (April, October): Spring break (partial), Easter, fall foliage. 60–75% occupancy. 15–20% of annual revenue.

Off-Season (November–March): Winter, holidays, school in session. 40–55% occupancy. 25–35% of annual revenue.

Strategic timing: Myrtle Beach's tourism economy peaks during:

• Spring break: Mid-March to mid-April
• Memorial Day: Late May
• Summer vacation: June–August
• Labor Day week: Early September
• Fall break: October
• Thanksgiving: November
• Christmas/New Year: Late December–early January

To maximize income, smart hosts implement dynamic pricing through Airbnb's pricing tools, raising rates 20–40% above base price during these peaks. Hosts who don't adjust prices leave thousands on the table each season. Learn more about effective pricing strategies in our guide to How to Price Your Airbnb for Maximum Revenue.

Best Neighborhoods for Revenue

North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach): Quieter, more upscale. $140–$280/night. 65–70% occupancy. Attracts families and retirees. Slightly lower peak-season premiums but steadier year-round bookings.

Downtown Myrtle Beach (Oceanfront & Boardwalk): Highest demand, premium rates. $200–$380/night. 75–85% occupancy. Walkable to attractions. Commands highest rates but also most competition and management intensity.

South Myrtle Beach (Barefoot Landing area): Family-friendly, boardwalk proximity. $150–$290/night. 70–75% occupancy. Strong shoulder-season performance.

Murrells Inlet (20 minutes south): Quieter, more residential. $120–$220/night. 60–65% occupancy. Lower rates, steadier clientele.

Pawleys Island (30 minutes south): Upscale, older demographic. $160–$280/night. 55–60% occupancy. Seasonal but stable off-season bookings.

Earnings comparison: Oceanfront downtown properties earn 25–35% more than equivalent non-oceanfront properties 3–5 blocks back. A downtown 2-bedroom oceanfront unit typically generates $48,000–$60,000 annually, while the same unit 5 blocks inland earns $32,000–$42,000.

For location-specific management insights, explore our Myrtle Beach Airbnb Management Services.

Expenses to Deduct from Gross Income

Gross revenue is not profit. Real property management expenses reduce your take-home significantly:

Fixed Annual Costs:

• Property management (if outsourced): 15–25% of gross revenue
• Cleaning per turnover: $150–$250 × 40–50 turnovers/year = $6,000–$12,500
• Utilities (water, electric, gas, internet): $1,200–$1,800
• Property insurance: $800–$1,400
• HOA fees (if applicable): $100–$300/month = $1,200–$3,600

Variable Costs:

• Guest supplies (linens, toiletries, breakfast): $3–$8 per guest stay
• Maintenance and repairs: Budget 5–8% of gross revenue
• Vacancies and lost bookings: Already reflected in occupancy %, but plan for weather/events
• Marketing and listing optimization: $200–$500/month

Taxes:

• Federal income tax: 15–37% of net income
• Self-employment tax (if sole proprietor): 15.3% of net profit
• Property tax: Varies by county; typical Myrtle Beach property tax ~$800–$2,000 annually
• State income tax: South Carolina has no short-term rental-specific taxes, but income is taxable

Total expense burden: 35–50% of gross revenue is typical, with well-managed properties hitting the lower end and hands-on owner properties hitting the higher end.

Example: A property generating $50,000 gross revenue:

• Management and cleaning (30%): $15,000
• Utilities, insurance, maintenance (15%): $7,500
• Taxes and fees (20%): $10,000
• Net income: $17,500 (35% of gross)

How to Increase Your Myrtle Beach Airbnb Incom

You can boost earnings without major capital investment:

1. Dynamic Pricing: Raise rates 25–40% during peak weekends and holidays. Use Airbnb's price suggestion tool or hire a pricing optimizer. This single change adds $5,000–$10,000 annually for mid-range properties.

2. Minimum Stay Requirements: Set 2–3 night minimums during shoulder season to reduce turnover costs. This lowers occupancy slightly but increases net income through reduced cleaning frequency.

3. Add Premium Amenities: Hot tubs, smart TVs, high-speed WiFi, and upgraded appliances justify 15–25% rate increases. ROI on a $5,000 investment is typically 12–18 months.

4. Target Corporate Rentals: Month-long rentals during off-season at 70% of nightly rate provide steady winter income. Target relocating professionals, seasonal workers.

5. Optimize Listing Quality: Professional photography, updated descriptions, and detailed amenities increase both booking rate and nightly rate. This adds 3–7% to occupancy and 5–10% to rates.

6. Implement Cleaning Efficiency: Reduce turnover time from 3 hours to 2 hours, or reduce cleaning cost from $200 to $150 per turnover. Over 50 annual turnovers, this saves $2,500.

7. Upsells and Extras: Offer early check-in (+$25), late checkout (+$25), airport transfers (+$50), crib rental (+$10/night), parking (+$15/night). These add 5–8% to revenue.

Our Airbnb Estimator lets you model these changes and forecast impact on your earnings.

Regulations and Requirements

Myrtle Beach has specific short-term rental rules that affect operations:

City of Myrtle Beach STR Regulations:

• All rental properties must be registered with the city
• Rentals limited to primary properties or long-term owned investment properties
• Maximum rental period: 30 consecutive days without gap
• Occupancy tax: 3% (added to guest bill, you remit)
• Noise ordinance: Quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM

Horry County (unincorporated):

• Permits required; approval typically takes 2–4 weeks
• Owner occupancy or licensed property manager required
• Annual licensing renewal ($100–$200)

HOA Considerations:

• Many condo buildings and gated communities restrict short-term rentals
• Verify your lease or deed before listing
• Some HOAs prohibit rentals; others charge annual fees ($50–$500)

Impact on earnings: Non-compliance can result in $100–$500/day fines and removal from platforms. Budget 2–3% of revenue for compliance and licensing.

For a full overview, see our comprehensive guide: South Carolina Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between gross and net income on Airbnb?

A: Gross income is your total rental revenue before any expenses. Net income is what you keep after paying property management, cleaning, utilities, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Expect net income to be 35–50% of gross revenue. A property earning $50,000 gross typically nets $20,000–$25,000 after expenses.

Q: How much does property management cost in Myrtle Beach?

A: Full-service property management typically costs 15–25% of gross revenue. A $50,000/year property incurs $7,500–$12,500 in management fees. Self-managing saves this cost but requires significant time for cleaning coordination, guest communication, maintenance scheduling, and bookkeeping.

Q: What's the best time of year to buy an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?

A: Purchase a property in November–February (off-season) when prices are lowest and you can renovate before peak season (May). You'll see immediate ROI when summer bookings spike. Avoid buying in June–August when prices peak and you'll overpay.

Q: Can I make $100,000 per year with an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach?

A: Yes, but not with a typical 2-bedroom unit. You'd need either (1) multiple properties, (2) a large oceanfront 4+ bedroom home renting at $350+/night with 75%+ occupancy, or (3) a secondary market strategy (corporate rentals, film crew housing, event lodging). A single mid-range property realistically generates $40K–$70K gross.

Q: Do I need to register my property with the city?

A: Yes. Myrtle Beach requires registration and a city-issued permit before you can legally rent. Failure to register results in fines. Registration takes 2–4 weeks and costs $50–$200. See Permit Requirements for Airbnb for detailed steps.

Q: How much should I charge per night?

A: Start with market rates (see our average rates above), then adjust for seasonality, your property's condition, and amenities. Use Airbnb's pricing tool, which suggests rates based on local demand. Most successful hosts adjust weekly during peak season. See How to Price Your Airbnb for Maximum Revenue for detailed pricing strategy.

Q: What's the occupancy rate I should expect?

A: Myrtle Beach averages 55–70% occupancy. Oceanfront properties and those near attractions hit 70–80%. Inland properties 5+ blocks from beach average 45–60%. New properties typically start at 40–50% and improve as reviews accumulate.

Q: How do I handle taxes on Airbnb income?

A: Report all rental income on your tax return (Schedule C if self-employed). Deduct all operating expenses. Set aside 25–30% of net profit for estimated quarterly taxes. Consider working with a CPA familiar with short-term rentals—deductions for depreciation, home office, and travel can significantly reduce your tax burden. See Complete Guide to Airbnb Taxes for comprehensive guidance.

Q: Should I get special insurance for Airbnb?

A: Yes. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes short-term rentals. You need STR-specific coverage, which costs $1,200–$2,500/year depending on property value and coverage limits. This protects you from liability if a guest is injured or causes damage. See Complete Guide to Airbnb Insurance for details.

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Let Awning Handle Your Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental
We manage properties across Myrtle Beach and handle pricing optimization, guest management, cleaning coordination, and regulatory compliance. Earn more while working less.
Schedule a Free Call

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Related Resources

• Vacation Rental ROI Calculator
• How to Price Your Airbnb for Maximum Revenue
• Airbnb Host Checklist: 2026 Edition
• Complete Guide to Airbnb Insurance
• South Carolina Short-Term Rental Regulations
• Airbnb Estimator Tool

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About the Author

Sara Levy-Lambert is VP of Marketing at RedAwning, the parent company of Awning.com. RedAwning manages 20,000+ vacation rental properties across all 50 states, including hundreds in Myrtle Beach and the greater South Carolina market. Sara has worked at the intersection of real estate, hospitality, and technology for 10+ years, helping hosts and investors optimize their rental income and operational efficiency.