Why South Carolina Is a Top Market for Short-Term Rentals
South Carolina doesn’t just attract tourists — it magnetizes them. The state pulled in over 43 million visitors in a recent year, generating more than $28 billion in tourism revenue. That puts South Carolina in the top 10 nationally for tourism spending, which is remarkable for a state with a population under 5.5 million. The ratio of visitors to residents creates enormous short-term rental demand, particularly along the coast.
Three coastal markets anchor the state’s STR economy: Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island. Each operates on a completely different model. Charleston draws culture-focused travelers — foodies, history buffs, bachelorette parties — who pay premium rates and visit year-round. Myrtle Beach is a volume play, pulling 20+ million visitors annually with family-friendly beaches, golf courses, and entertainment at lower ADRs but massive occupancy. Hilton Head caters to an affluent demographic seeking upscale beach and golf experiences, commanding some of the highest ADRs in the Southeast.
Beyond the Big Three, South Carolina offers several emerging markets that savvy operators are just now discovering. The Greenville-Spartanburg corridor in the Upstate region has seen a 34% increase in STR listings over the past two years as the area’s restaurant scene, outdoor recreation (waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking), and growing corporate presence attract visitors. Columbia, the state capital, generates steady demand from University of South Carolina events, government business, and Fort Jackson military traffic. Beaufort and the Lowcountry islands (Edisto, Kiawah, Isle of Palms) offer premium niche markets with limited supply.
What makes South Carolina particularly attractive for rental arbitrage: the state has relatively low operating costs compared to northeast and west coast markets, no state income tax on LLC pass-through income below certain thresholds (South Carolina’s tax structure is favorable compared to many states), and a business-friendly regulatory environment that hasn’t stifled the STR industry with heavy-handed restrictions. The spread between monthly rent and potential STR revenue is wide in most coastal markets — a two-bedroom condo in Myrtle Beach renting for $1,300/month can generate $3,500-$6,000/month in STR revenue during the peak season.
South Carolina Short-Term Rental Laws and Regulations
South Carolina takes a relatively hands-off approach to STR regulation at the state level, which is one reason the industry has grown so rapidly here. But “hands-off” doesn’t mean “unregulated” — there are clear tax obligations and local rules that vary significantly by city and county.
State-Level Requirements
South Carolina’s state-level framework for STRs is primarily tax-focused:
- Accommodations tax: South Carolina levies a 7% state accommodations tax on all rentals of 90 consecutive days or fewer. This applies to every STR booking in the state.
- State sales tax: An additional 5% state sales tax applies to accommodations, bringing the state-level total to 12%.
- Local accommodations tax: Counties and municipalities can impose their own accommodations taxes, typically 1-3%. Charleston County charges 3%. Horry County (Myrtle Beach) charges 1.5%.
- Tourism development fee: Some municipalities charge additional tourism development fees. Myrtle Beach imposes a 1% tourism development fee on accommodations.
- Business license: South Carolina requires a state business license for STR activity, obtained through the SC Department of Revenue. Many municipalities also require a separate local business license.
- Sales tax registration: Register with the SC Department of Revenue for a retail license to collect and remit sales and accommodations taxes.
Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the 7% state accommodations tax and the 5% state sales tax for South Carolina bookings. Local taxes and fees may or may not be collected by platforms — verify with your specific municipality. If you take direct bookings, you’re responsible for collecting and remitting all taxes yourself.
Key City Regulations
Charleston: Charleston has implemented some of the state’s most detailed STR regulations through its Short-Term Rental Ordinance. The city distinguishes between “hosted” rentals (owner present) and “whole-house” rentals (owner absent). Whole-house STRs require a special use permit in most residential zones, and the city has capped the number of permits in the historic peninsula — once the cap is reached, no new permits are issued until existing ones expire or are revoked. All operators must obtain a business license, register their property with the city’s Livability Division, and display their permit number on all listings. Charleston charges a 7.5% local accommodations tax on top of state taxes. Fines for operating without a permit start at $1,092 per violation.
Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach takes a more permissive approach given the city’s deep dependence on tourism. STRs are permitted in most commercial and resort zones. Properties in residential zones face more restrictions — some residential neighborhoods have HOAs that prohibit short-term rentals entirely. The city requires a business license and compliance with building and fire codes. Myrtle Beach charges the Horry County 1.5% local accommodations tax plus a 1% city tourism development fee. The city has increased code enforcement in recent years, particularly around noise complaints, occupancy limits, and parking violations in residential-adjacent areas.
Hilton Head Island: Hilton Head manages STRs through its Rental Registration Program. All rental properties must register with the town and obtain a rental license. The island’s Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) — like Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and Shipyard — have their own rental management rules that often layer on top of town regulations. Some PUDs require owners to use an approved rental management company. Beaufort County charges a 3% local accommodations tax. Hilton Head also enforces occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and available parking.
Columbia: Columbia’s STR regulations are less developed than the coastal cities. The city requires a business license and compliance with basic safety codes. Zoning regulations apply — STRs are permitted in most mixed-use and commercial zones but restricted in certain single-family residential areas. Columbia’s market is driven by university events (USC Gamecocks), government business, and Fort Jackson, creating steady but less intense demand than coastal markets. Richland County charges a 2% local accommodations tax.
Recent Regulatory Changes (2025-2026)
- Charleston expanded its STR enforcement team in 2025, deploying technology to identify unregistered listings on platforms. The city has issued hundreds of violation notices and fines since tightening enforcement. Charleston’s permit cap on the peninsula has essentially frozen the number of legal whole-house STRs — if you’re operating there without a permit, the risk profile has changed dramatically.
- Hilton Head updated its rental registration requirements in late 2024, adding a mandatory safety inspection for all new rental registrations. Existing registrations must pass inspection at their next renewal.
- The South Carolina state legislature has considered preemption bills that would limit municipalities’ ability to ban or heavily restrict STRs. None have passed as of early 2026, but the political pressure from property rights advocates and the tourism industry is significant. Track developments at scstatehouse.gov.
- Greenville adopted its first formal STR ordinance in 2025, requiring registration and creating zones where STRs are permitted. The rules are relatively moderate — designed more for documentation and tax collection than restriction.
South Carolina’s regulatory trajectory is more moderate than what you see in northeastern states. The state’s economic dependence on tourism acts as a natural brake on overly restrictive legislation. But compliance is still non-negotiable — particularly in Charleston, where enforcement has real teeth.
Tax Obligations for South Carolina Airbnb Hosts
South Carolina’s STR tax structure stacks state and local obligations. The total varies by location, but here’s the full picture:
- State accommodations tax: 7% on all rentals of 90 days or fewer.
- State sales tax: 5% additional, bringing the state-level combined rate to 12%.
- Local accommodations tax: Varies by county/municipality — Charleston County: 3%, Horry County (Myrtle Beach): 1.5%, Beaufort County (Hilton Head): 3%, Richland County (Columbia): 2%.
- Local hospitality/tourism fees: Myrtle Beach adds a 1% tourism development fee. Charleston adds a 0.5% tourism fee. Other municipalities may have similar assessments.
Total tax rates by market:
| Location | State Taxes | Local Taxes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 12% | 3.5% | 15.5% |
| Myrtle Beach | 12% | 2.5% | 14.5% |
| Hilton Head | 12% | 3% | 15% |
| Columbia | 12% | 2% | 14% |
| Greenville | 12% | 1.5% | 13.5% |
Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the state-level taxes (accommodations + sales) automatically. Local taxes may or may not be handled by platforms depending on the jurisdiction. Register with the SC Department of Revenue (Form ST-3 for sales tax, Form ST-388 for accommodations tax) to ensure you’re covered for direct bookings and any local obligations not handled by platforms.
South Carolina’s state income tax applies to STR income at progressive rates from 0% to 6.5%. However, the state does not tax the first $3,310 of income (adjusted annually), and there are deductions available for rental property expenses. On the federal side, report STR income on Schedule E or Schedule C depending on your level of involvement. Track all deductible expenses: cleaning, supplies, insurance, platform fees, repairs, depreciation, property management, mortgage interest, and property taxes.
Best Cities for Airbnb in South Carolina
Charleston
Charleston consistently ranks among the top tourist destinations in the United States — Travel + Leisure readers have named it the #1 city in America multiple times. That reputation translates directly to STR demand. The city’s historic district, acclaimed restaurant scene (Husk, FIG, The Ordinary, Hall’s Chophouse), plantation tours, and coastal access create a visitor profile that skews affluent and year-round.
Average ADRs for entire-home listings in Charleston run $200-$300, with premium properties in the historic district commanding $350-$600/night. Occupancy rates average 70-80% annually — significantly better than most seasonal markets. The absence of a true “off-season” is Charleston’s biggest advantage. Even January and February see respectable booking rates, driven by the mild climate and a steady stream of weekend getaway travelers from Charlotte, Atlanta, and the broader Southeast.
The downside is accessibility. Charleston’s permit cap on the peninsula means whole-house STRs in the most desirable area have a finite supply. If you can acquire a permitted property (or one that qualifies), you’re operating in a supply-constrained market with strong demand. But getting that permit is the hard part. Properties in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston face fewer restrictions but also lower ADRs.
For co-hosting, Charleston is particularly strong. Many homeowners in the historic district have second homes or pied-a-terre properties that they want managed professionally. Co-hosting arrangements here can be lucrative without the capital outlay of ownership.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the volume king of South Carolina’s STR market. The Grand Strand — the 60-mile stretch of coastline centered on Myrtle Beach — draws over 20 million visitors annually. That’s roughly 4x the population of the entire state showing up every year. The demand is massive, but so is the supply — Myrtle Beach has one of the highest concentrations of rental units per capita in the country.
ADRs are lower than Charleston or Hilton Head, averaging $120-$200 for condos and $175-$350 for single-family homes. Occupancy during summer (June-August) exceeds 90%, but winter occupancy drops to 25-35%. The math in Myrtle Beach depends heavily on summer performance — you need to price peak season aggressively enough to carry the quiet months.
Property types that work best: oceanfront or second-row condo units in buildings with resort amenities (pools, lazy rivers, parking). Families are the dominant guest demographic, and they value beach proximity, space, and kid-friendly features above all else. Two- and three-bedroom condos with kitchens outperform studios and one-bedrooms by a significant margin.
Myrtle Beach is one of the more accessible markets for new operators. Property prices and rents are lower than most coastal markets, condo associations generally permit short-term rentals (verify per building), and the regulatory environment is manageable. The competition, however, is fierce — there are thousands of rental units, and standing out requires excellent listing presentation, competitive pricing, and strong reviews.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is the premium play in South Carolina. The island attracts an affluent demographic — golfers, couples, families seeking a quieter beach experience than Myrtle Beach. The island’s Planned Unit Developments (Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, Port Royal, The Westin Resort) create self-contained resort environments that drive high ADRs.
Average daily rates run $225-$400, with luxury villas and oceanfront homes pushing $500-$900/night during peak summer. Occupancy averages 60-70% annually. The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) are stronger here than in Myrtle Beach because Hilton Head’s golf courses and upscale dining draw visitors outside of beach season.
The barrier to entry at Hilton Head is higher. Most desirable rental properties are within PUDs that have their own management rules. Some require owners to use an affiliated rental management company, which limits your ability to list independently on Airbnb. Others permit independent management but charge community rental fees or impose occupancy restrictions. Research the specific PUD’s rental policies before purchasing — they vary significantly from one development to another.
One Hilton Head pattern worth noting: the island’s Heritage Golf Tournament (an annual PGA Tour event held at Harbour Town Links in Sea Pines) creates a massive demand spike every April. Hosts who block the tournament week for maximum-rate bookings can generate 10-14 days of revenue in a single week.
Greenville
Greenville is South Carolina’s surprise STR market. The city has undergone a dramatic transformation — downtown Greenville’s Main Street, Falls Park on the Reedy, and the Liberty Bridge have turned a former industrial city into a destination that national media regularly features in “best places to visit” lists. The restaurant scene rivals cities twice its size.
ADRs average $130-$190, which is modest compared to the coast but paired with occupancy rates of 65-75% and significantly lower operating costs. Greenville’s demand comes from corporate travelers (BMW, Michelin, and GE have major operations in the area), weekend visitors from Atlanta and Charlotte (each about 2 hours away), and a growing outdoor recreation draw (waterfalls, Table Rock, Caesars Head State Park).
Greenville is arguably the best rental arbitrage market in South Carolina. Monthly rents are substantially lower than coastal markets — a one-bedroom downtown apartment runs $1,200-$1,600/month — while STR revenue can reach $2,800-$4,200/month. The spread is consistent because Greenville doesn’t have a dramatic seasonal drop. Event weekends (Artisphere, Fall for Greenville, Furman football) create reliable booking spikes throughout the year.
Beaufort and the Lowcountry
Beaufort, Port Royal, and the surrounding Lowcountry islands (Fripp Island, Hunting Island, Lady’s Island) offer a niche market that attracts visitors seeking a quieter, more authentic South Carolina experience. Beaufort’s historic district, Spanish moss-draped streets, and proximity to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island create a unique demand mix — tourists and military families visiting new Marines at graduation.
ADRs range from $140 to $250 depending on property type and proximity to the waterfront. Occupancy averages 55-65%. Parris Island graduations happen almost every Friday year-round, creating a reliable weekly booking pulse that no other market in the state can match. Families typically arrive Wednesday or Thursday and stay through Saturday, filling midweek gaps that plague other tourist markets.
How Much Do Airbnbs Make in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s STR revenue varies considerably by market, season, and property type. Here’s what the data shows:
| City/Region | Avg ADR | Avg Occupancy | Est. Monthly Revenue (1BR) | Est. Monthly Revenue (3BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $255 | 75% | $5,740 | $10,500 |
| Myrtle Beach | $165 | 62% | $3,070 | $6,400 |
| Hilton Head | $290 | 65% | $5,655 | $11,300 |
| Greenville | $155 | 70% | $3,255 | $5,800 |
| Beaufort | $175 | 58% | $3,045 | $5,600 |
| Columbia | $120 | 63% | $2,268 | $4,200 |
A few patterns stand out in this data. Charleston and Hilton Head produce the highest revenue, but they also require the most capital to enter — property prices and permit costs are substantial. Myrtle Beach and Columbia offer lower entry barriers but tighter margins. Greenville sits in a sweet spot for arbitrage operators: moderate revenue combined with low operating costs and year-round consistency.
Across South Carolina, the hosts who outperform market averages share common traits: professional photography (non-negotiable in a competitive market), dynamic pricing that captures peak-week premiums, and fast turnaround times. In Myrtle Beach specifically, I’ve seen hosts who added nothing more than a professional photo set and a dynamic pricing tool increase their annual revenue by 20-30% without changing anything else about their property.
One thing to account for that many new hosts miss: South Carolina’s high tax burden (13.5-15.5% depending on location) takes a meaningful bite out of gross revenue. Your per-night pricing needs to anticipate this — if your comparables charge $200/night and you match them, you’re actually netting $170-$173 before any operating expenses.
How to Start Your South Carolina Airbnb Business
South Carolina’s relatively business-friendly environment makes it one of the smoother states to get started in — but “smoother” doesn’t mean you can skip steps. Here’s the process laid out in practical order:
Step 1: Choose your market and operating model. The right model depends on your capital, risk tolerance, and location preference. Rental arbitrage works well in Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia where rents are manageable and landlords in tourism-dependent areas understand the STR model. Co-hosting thrives in Charleston and Hilton Head where property owners need professional management. Property purchases make sense in all markets but require significantly more upfront capital.
Step 2: Verify local regulations for your target area. Charleston has permit caps. Hilton Head’s PUDs have their own rules. Myrtle Beach HOAs can prohibit STRs even when the city allows them. Contact the municipal business license office and ask: “What do I need to legally operate a short-term rental at [address]?” If the property is in a PUD or HOA, also check those governing documents. A single restriction you missed can invalidate your entire business plan.
Step 3: Register your business with the state. File for a South Carolina retail license with the SC Department of Revenue. This allows you to collect and remit state sales tax and accommodations tax. Also register for a state business license. If you’re forming an LLC (recommended for liability protection), file with the SC Secretary of State first.
Step 4: Get your local business license. Most South Carolina municipalities require a separate local business license for STR operations. Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Greenville all have their own licensing processes. Fees are typically based on gross revenue — expect $50-$200 initially, with annual renewals adjusted as your revenue grows.
Step 5: Secure insurance. South Carolina doesn’t mandate a specific insurance minimum for STR operators, but carrying at least $1 million in general liability coverage is a baseline. If you’re in a coastal area, flood and windstorm insurance are critical additions. See the insurance section below for full details.
Step 6: Set up your property. South Carolina’s guest expectations vary by market. Charleston guests expect design-forward interiors and local flavor (local art, guidebooks to the restaurant scene). Myrtle Beach guests prioritize beach gear, kid-friendly setups, and pool access. Hilton Head visitors expect upscale furnishings and golf-course aesthetics. Greenville guests want walkable downtown access and recommendations for waterfalls and breweries. Match your setup to your market’s guest profile.
Step 7: Create your listing with market-specific positioning. Professional photography is mandatory in South Carolina’s competitive markets. In your listing description, highlight specific proximity details and unique selling points: “7-minute walk to King Street restaurants,” “oceanfront balcony with direct beach access,” “overlooks the 15th hole at Harbour Town.” Generic descriptions won’t cut it when travelers are choosing between hundreds of options.
Step 8: Set up dynamic pricing immediately. South Carolina’s seasonal swings are dramatic. A Myrtle Beach condo that fetches $250/night on a July Saturday might struggle to book at $90/night in January. Tools like PriceLabs, Beyond, or Wheelhouse adjust your rates based on demand patterns, local events, and competitor pricing. Static pricing leaves money on the table during peaks and prices you out during valleys.
Step 9: Build a reliable operational team. Your cleaning team is the single most important operational relationship. In beach markets, Saturday-to-Saturday turnovers are standard — and every property in the building turns over on the same day. Book your cleaning crew before you list your first guest. Establish a backup cleaner for emergencies. Set up automated messaging for check-in instructions, mid-stay check, and checkout.
Step 10: Launch, learn, and scale. Start with a launch pricing strategy (10-15% below comparable listings) to build reviews quickly. Once you hit 10-15 five-star reviews, raise rates to market level. Track your performance against market benchmarks. When your first unit is profitable and your systems are working smoothly, look for your second opportunity — potentially in a different South Carolina market to diversify your seasonal risk.
South Carolina STR Insurance and Liability
South Carolina’s coastal markets create insurance considerations that inland markets don’t face. Hurricane season (June through November), flood risk, and the state’s active litigation environment all factor into the coverage you need.
Here’s the full breakdown of insurance for your Airbnb in South Carolina:
Standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance won’t cover STR operations. Most policies exclude commercial or business use of the property. If you’re running a short-term rental and a guest is injured or causes damage, your standard policy will almost certainly deny the claim. Some insurers in South Carolina have also cancelled policies after discovering undisclosed STR activity — leaving you without any coverage.
What you need at minimum:
- $1 million general liability coverage from a policy that specifically covers short-term rental activity
- Property damage coverage for furnishings, appliances, and guest-caused damage
- Loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable (critical for hurricane-prone areas)
- For coastal properties: windstorm insurance (often a separate policy or endorsement in SC)
- For properties in flood zones: flood insurance through NFIP or a private carrier
South Carolina-specific insurance considerations:
Windstorm coverage: Standard property insurance in South Carolina’s coastal counties often excludes windstorm damage. You may need a separate windstorm policy through the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (the state’s insurer of last resort for wind coverage) or a private carrier. Properties within 1-2 miles of the coast are most affected by this exclusion. Budget an additional $800-$2,500/year for windstorm coverage depending on property location and value.
Flood insurance: FEMA flood zone designations apply throughout South Carolina’s coastal areas. Many properties in Charleston’s historic district, along the Myrtle Beach coast, and on Hilton Head Island are in zones A or V (high-risk flood areas). Standard insurance doesn’t cover flood damage — you need a separate policy. NFIP policies are capped at $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents; for higher coverage limits, look to private flood carriers.
Hurricane deductibles: South Carolina allows insurers to apply separate hurricane deductibles — typically 2-5% of the property’s insured value. On a $400,000 property, that means your out-of-pocket hurricane deductible could be $8,000-$20,000 before coverage kicks in. Factor this into your reserve calculations.
Overall, budget $2,000-$5,000 annually per property for comprehensive STR insurance in South Carolina’s coastal markets. Inland properties (Greenville, Columbia) will cost less — typically $1,000-$2,500/year. Providers like Proper Insurance, Safely, and CBIZ offer policies structured for STR operators.
Why 10XBNB Gives You the Edge in South Carolina
South Carolina’s STR market is deceptively competitive. The friendly regulatory environment and tourism-driven economy attract operators from across the country — many of whom assume that warm weather plus beach access equals guaranteed profit. It doesn’t. The hosts who actually build profitable STR businesses here are the ones who understand pricing dynamics across dramatic seasonal swings, navigate the regulatory patchwork between Charleston’s permit caps and Myrtle Beach’s open market, and build operations that scale beyond a single property.
That’s exactly what the 10XBNB program teaches. Students learn to identify the properties and markets where the economics actually work — not just where demand is high, but where the spread between costs and revenue supports sustainable profit. The program covers lease negotiation for arbitrage deals (including how to approach landlords in tourism markets), multi-market portfolio building, and the operational systems that prevent a second or third property from breaking the host.
South Carolina rewards preparation disproportionately. Charleston’s permit caps mean early movers are in and latecomers are locked out. Hilton Head’s PUD rules can blindside operators who don’t do their homework. Myrtle Beach’s sheer volume of competing listings means your pricing, photography, and guest experience have to be sharp or you’ll bleed bookings to the property across the street. The gap between a host who knows what they’re doing and one who’s figuring it out in real time is the gap between a profitable business and an expensive hobby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in South Carolina?
At the state level, you need a retail license from the SC Department of Revenue and a state business license. Most municipalities also require a local business license, and some — particularly Charleston — require a specific STR permit. Charleston caps whole-house STR permits on the historic peninsula, and operating without one carries fines starting at $1,092 per violation. Hilton Head requires registration through its Rental Registration Program. Always verify requirements for your specific municipality before listing.
How much tax do South Carolina Airbnb hosts pay?
South Carolina charges a 7% state accommodations tax plus a 5% state sales tax on all short-term rentals, totaling 12% at the state level. Local accommodations taxes add 1.5-3% depending on county and municipality. Total rates range from about 13.5% in Greenville to 15.5% in Charleston. Airbnb and Vrbo remit state taxes automatically, but local taxes may need separate registration and payment.
What’s the best area in South Carolina for Airbnb beginners?
Greenville offers the most accessible entry point for new operators. Operating costs are low (rents for one-bedrooms run $1,200-$1,600/month), demand is year-round rather than seasonal, regulations are moderate, and the rent-to-revenue spread supports arbitrage. Myrtle Beach is also accessible due to lower property costs and abundant condo inventory, but the extreme seasonality adds complexity for first-time hosts. Charleston and Hilton Head have the highest revenue potential but require more capital and regulatory navigation.
Is Charleston, SC good for Airbnb rental arbitrage?
Charleston’s permit cap on the historic peninsula makes traditional arbitrage challenging in the city’s highest-demand area. Whole-house STR permits are limited, and acquiring one requires a permitted property. However, areas outside the peninsula — West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston — have fewer restrictions and may accommodate arbitrage models. Co-hosting is a strong alternative in Charleston, as many property owners seek professional management for their homes. Verify current permit availability with Charleston’s Livability Division before pursuing any arbitrage strategy.
Do I need hurricane insurance for a South Carolina Airbnb?
Standard property insurance in South Carolina’s coastal counties often excludes windstorm damage, meaning you need separate windstorm coverage — either through a private carrier or the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association. Flood insurance is also recommended for properties in FEMA-designated flood zones (common along the coast). Hurricane deductibles in SC are typically 2-5% of the property’s insured value. Comprehensive coastal STR insurance (liability + property + windstorm + flood) typically costs $2,000-$5,000 per year.
When is peak season for South Carolina short-term rentals?
For coastal markets (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Kiawah), peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the highest demand and ADRs in June and July. Charleston has a more extended peak — roughly March through October — because its draw isn’t solely beach-dependent. Greenville operates on a relatively flat demand curve with modest spikes during fall foliage season (October) and major events. Beaufort sees consistent weekly demand year-round from Parris Island Marine Corps graduation visitors, with a summer tourism bump layered on top.

