Myrtle Beach pulls over 17 million visitors a year. That’s not a typo. The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast, and it’s one of the most tourism-dependent economies on the East Coast. For rental arbitrage operators, that translates into consistent short-term rental demand from Memorial Day through Labor Day — and surprisingly strong shoulder seasons driven by golf, bike rallies, and snowbirds escaping the Northeast. I’ve watched this market closely, and the combination of relatively affordable long-term rents, high average nightly rates, and a city government that actively protects short-term rental inventory makes Myrtle Beach one of the strongest rental arbitrage markets in the Southeast right now.
But here’s the catch: you can’t just lease any apartment and throw it on Airbnb. Myrtle Beach has specific zoning restrictions that will shut you down fast if you don’t understand them. This guide covers everything — the regulations, the best neighborhoods, realistic revenue numbers, how to pitch landlords, and the seasonal patterns that separate profitable operators from broke ones.
Why Myrtle Beach for Rental Arbitrage
The numbers make the case better than I can. Myrtle Beach generated $13.2 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, up 5.3% from the prior year. The area features more than 80 championship golf courses drawing 3.2 million rounds annually. And unlike markets that depend on one season, Myrtle Beach has year-round demand drivers — spring bike rallies, summer beach season, fall festivals, and winter snowbird migration.
Here’s what makes the arbitrage math work specifically:
- Low barrier to entry: Average rents run $1,450–$1,800 for a two-bedroom, significantly below coastal markets like Charleston, Hilton Head, or the Florida coast. That keeps your fixed costs manageable.
- High nightly rates: The median Airbnb nightly rate sits around $192, with top-performing properties commanding $270–$385 per night during peak season.
- Strong occupancy: Market-wide occupancy averages 64–66%, but well-optimized properties in prime zones consistently hit 75–82% annually.
- Pro-STR government: In late 2024, Myrtle Beach actually passed an ordinance banning the conversion of short-term rentals to long-term rentals in the tourist corridor. The city relies on accommodations tax revenue and wants to preserve short-term rental inventory — that’s rare and incredibly favorable for operators.
- Proximity to demand: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) serves direct flights from most major East Coast cities. Drive-market access from Charlotte, Raleigh, and Atlanta puts millions of potential guests within a 4–6 hour drive.
If you’re evaluating South Carolina for Airbnb, Myrtle Beach and Charleston are the two strongest markets — but Myrtle Beach wins on affordability and regulatory friendliness.
Myrtle Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations in 2026
This is the section that saves you from a $500 fine, court costs, and up to 30 days in jail. I’m not exaggerating — operating without a license in Myrtle Beach carries criminal penalties.
Zoning Is Everything
Most traditional residential neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach are not zoned for short-term rentals. Any zoning district starting with “R” (residential) prohibits rentals under 90 days. The one exception is the RMV zone (Residential Multifamily Visitor).
Short-term rentals are permitted in these zoning districts:
- RMV — Residential Multifamily Visitor
- MU-H — Mixed-Use High Density
- C6 — Urban Village
- A — Amusement
- E — Entertainment
- HC1 and HC2 — Highway Commercial
- IR — Interim Redevelopment (special exception required)
Before you sign any lease, verify the property’s zoning district. You can check this through the City of Myrtle Beach Business License Division or their online zoning maps.
Business License Requirements
Every short-term rental operator needs a City of Myrtle Beach business license. The process:
- Submit a business license application with your business details
- The fee is calculated as a percentage of your gross rental revenue
- Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed by April 30 annually
- You’ll need to provide your lease agreement showing subletting is permitted
Tax Obligations
You’re responsible for collecting and remitting multiple taxes:
- Local Accommodations Tax: 3% collected from guests, filed monthly with the City (due by the 20th of the following month)
- State Accommodations Tax: 7% to the South Carolina Department of Revenue
- Local Hospitality Tax: Applies if you provide food/beverages
Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit some state taxes automatically, but you’re still responsible for the local 3% accommodations tax. Set up a separate account for tax funds — don’t commingle them with operating revenue.
2024–2025 Regulatory Update
The city passed an overlay ordinance covering 114 blocks east of Kings Highway to the ocean in commercial districts. This ordinance prevents buildings with more than two units that were built for or used for short-term rentals from converting to long-term use. Translation: the city is actively protecting your business model in the tourist corridor. That’s a green light for arbitrage operators working in permitted zones.
For the latest regulatory details, check the Avalara MyLodgeTax summary of Myrtle Beach STR regulations.
Top 5 Neighborhoods for Rental Arbitrage in Myrtle Beach
Not every neighborhood works for arbitrage. You need the intersection of STR-legal zoning, walkable or driveable access to attractions, and reasonable long-term rents. Here are the five areas I’d focus on, based on zoning compatibility and revenue potential.
1. Ocean Boulevard Corridor (Downtown Myrtle Beach)
The spine of the tourist district. Properties along and near Ocean Boulevard sit in commercial or mixed-use zones where STRs are permitted. You’re steps from the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, and the beach. Nightly rates peak here during summer — $200–$350 per night isn’t unusual for a well-furnished two-bedroom. Long-term rents for studio and one-bedroom units start around $900–$1,200, making the arbitrage spread attractive. The downside? Competition is fierce, and some buildings have HOA restrictions on subletting.
2. North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove / Ocean Drive)
Technically a separate municipality with its own STR regulations, North Myrtle Beach is more lenient than the city proper. Cherry Grove and the Ocean Drive area draw families and couples looking for a quieter beach experience. Two-bedroom condos rent long-term for $1,300–$1,700, and nightly rates during peak season hit $180–$280. Occupancy tends to run slightly lower than downtown (60–68%) but the guest demographic skews toward longer stays and less property damage.
3. Market Common
A master-planned community built on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Market Common offers a walkable town center with restaurants, boutiques, and a movie theater. It’s 1.5 miles from the beach. Properties in the commercial and mixed-use sections may qualify for STR use, but you need to verify zoning parcel-by-parcel. Rents for two-bedrooms run $1,500–$1,900. The appeal? Guests who want a “living like a local” experience rather than a touristy vibe. Nightly rates are moderate ($150–$220) but occupancy benefits from year-round demand.
4. Broadway at the Beach Area
The largest entertainment complex in the region — think Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, restaurants, and nightlife. Properties in the HC1/HC2 zones near Broadway can legally operate as STRs. This area attracts groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and families. Two-bedroom apartments run $1,400–$1,800 in rent, and nightly rates average $170–$250. Proximity to attractions is the selling point in your listing.
5. Surfside Beach
Just south of Myrtle Beach proper, Surfside is an independent town with a reputation as “The Family Beach.” Regulations are separate from the city of Myrtle Beach and generally more accommodating for vacation rentals. Long-term rents are reasonable ($1,300–$1,600 for a two-bedroom), and the family-friendly branding means you attract guests who treat your property well. Nightly rates hover around $160–$240, with solid summer occupancy in the 70–78% range.
Before committing to any neighborhood, search the property address on the city’s zoning map and confirm STR eligibility. This step alone prevents the most common — and most expensive — mistake new operators make. For a broader look at city options, check our cities for Airbnb arbitrage guide.
Myrtle Beach Rental Arbitrage Revenue Potential
Here’s where the real analysis happens. I’ve built this table using current market data from AirDNA, local rental listings, and actual operator performance in the Myrtle Beach market. These numbers assume a furnished two-bedroom unit with professional photos and dynamic pricing.
| Neighborhood | Avg Monthly Rent | Avg Nightly Rate | Occupancy % | Est. Monthly Revenue | Est. Monthly Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Blvd Corridor | $1,100 | $225 | 72% | $4,860 | $2,460 |
| North Myrtle Beach | $1,500 | $195 | 65% | $3,803 | $1,303 |
| Market Common | $1,700 | $185 | 62% | $3,441 | $741 |
| Broadway Area | $1,600 | $210 | 68% | $4,284 | $1,384 |
| Surfside Beach | $1,450 | $190 | 70% | $3,990 | $1,340 |
Profit calculation: Monthly revenue minus rent, utilities (~$200), supplies (~$150), cleaning costs (~$400 for ~8 turnovers), platform fees (~12% of revenue), and insurance (~$100). Your actual numbers will vary based on furnishing quality, listing optimization, and how aggressively you manage pricing.
The Ocean Boulevard corridor delivers the strongest margins because rents are surprisingly low for the location (many older buildings with basic finishes), while nightly rates benefit from proximity to the beach and boardwalk. Market Common shows the thinnest margins — you’d need consistently high occupancy or a premium listing to make it worth the effort there.
Want to understand all the numbers before you start? Our Airbnb startup costs breakdown gives you the full financial picture.
Startup Costs for Myrtle Beach Rental Arbitrage
I’ve broken this into three tiers because not everyone starts with the same budget. The budget tier gets you operational. The mid tier gets you competitive. The premium tier positions you to dominate your submarket.
| Item | Budget ($1K–$3K) | Mid ($5K–$7K) | Premium ($10K+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,100–$1,700 |
| First Month’s Rent | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,100–$1,700 |
| Furniture Package | $800 (thrift/marketplace) | $2,500 (new budget) | $5,000+ (designer look) |
| Kitchen & Linens | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Smart Lock & Tech | $150 | $350 | $600 |
| Professional Photos | $0 (DIY) | $200 | $400 |
| Business License & Setup | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Décor & Staging | $100 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Emergency Fund | $0 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Total Range | $3,700–$4,950 | $6,500–$7,700 | $11,050–$13,250 |
A few Myrtle Beach-specific notes on costs:
- Furniture sourcing: Facebook Marketplace in the Myrtle Beach area is loaded with condo furniture from owners who upgrade or sell. You can furnish a two-bedroom with quality pieces for under $1,000 if you’re patient and strategic about it.
- Beach gear: Budget $100–$200 for beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and boogie boards. These items appear in your listing photos and guest reviews constantly. Worth every penny.
- Cleaning setup: Cleaning companies in Myrtle Beach charge $75–$120 per turnover for a two-bedroom. During peak season, you might have 10–12 turnovers per month. Build this into your pricing — don’t absorb it.
For a detailed breakdown of every cost category, read our complete Airbnb startup costs guide.
How to Find Arbitrage-Friendly Landlords in Myrtle Beach
This is where most people struggle. Finding a landlord who’ll agree to subletting on Airbnb requires the right properties, the right approach, and the right pitch. Myrtle Beach actually gives you an advantage here because many property owners already understand the vacation rental model — the entire economy runs on it.
Where to Find Receptive Landlords
- Condo buildings in commercial/mixed-use zones: Owners in these zones already know their properties are in STR-permitted areas. Many have rented short-term themselves and understand the model.
- Individual property owners (not corporate management companies): Search Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist for owner-listed properties. Corporate management companies almost never approve subletting.
- Properties that have been listed for 30+ days: Longer vacancy signals a motivated landlord. Your guaranteed rent pitch becomes much more compelling.
- Former vacation rental owners: Some owners are tired of managing their own STRs. They want guaranteed monthly income without the hassle. You’re solving their exact problem.
The Landlord Pitch
Here’s a script I’ve refined over dozens of conversations. Adjust the specifics to your situation, but the structure works:
“Hi [Landlord Name], my name is [Your Name] and I run a short-term rental management business here in the Myrtle Beach area. I’m interested in leasing your property at [address] on a 12-month lease.
Here’s what I’d like to propose: I’ll sign a standard lease at your asking rent of $[amount] per month, guaranteed for 12 months. I’ll furnish the unit at my own expense. I manage the property as a vacation rental on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO — fully licensed and insured.
What’s in it for you? Guaranteed rent every month, no vacancies, no tenant turnover headaches. I carry $1 million in host liability insurance through Airbnb, and I’ll add you as additionally insured on a separate commercial policy. I handle all maintenance under $200, and I keep the property in show-ready condition at all times — which means your unit actually appreciates in value while I’m leasing it.
I’m happy to provide references from other property owners I work with, and I’d love to show you examples of how I maintain my current properties. Can we set up a time to meet and walk through the details?”
Three keys that make this pitch work in Myrtle Beach specifically: (1) landlords here understand vacation rentals aren’t some fringe concept — it’s the local economy; (2) guaranteed year-round rent eliminates the seasonal vacancy many Myrtle Beach landlords deal with; and (3) the insurance offer addresses their biggest fear.
Need a subletting agreement template? Our rental arbitrage contract guide walks you through every clause you need.
Myrtle Beach Seasonal Demand Calendar
Understanding Myrtle Beach’s seasonal patterns is the difference between making $2,000 a month and $5,000 a month. The market has dramatic swings, and your pricing strategy needs to reflect them. Here’s what each month looks like:
| Month | Demand Level | Avg Nightly Rate | Occupancy % | Key Events & Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | $110 | 38% | Restaurant Week, snowbird arrivals, golf packages |
| February | Low | $115 | 40% | Valentine’s getaways, early spring golf |
| March | Medium | $155 | 58% | Can-Am Days (65th annual), Run to the Sun Car Show, spring break starts |
| April | Medium-High | $175 | 64% | Food Truck Festival, Easter week, golf season peak |
| May | High | $215 | 75% | Bike Week Spring Rally (May 8–17), Blue Crab Festival, Memorial Day |
| June | Peak | $275 | 88% | Summer beach season, Carolina Country Music Fest, school vacation |
| July | Peak | $310 | 92% | Fourth of July, peak family travel, highest ADR month |
| August | High | $240 | 80% | Late summer travel, back-to-school pricing drops |
| September | Medium | $170 | 60% | Fall Rally Bike Week starts, Crooktoberfest, shoulder season |
| October | Medium | $160 | 55% | Fall Rally continues, Jazz Festival, perfect beach weather |
| November | Low-Medium | $130 | 45% | Thanksgiving week spike, Brookgreen Gardens holiday events begin |
| December | Low | $120 | 42% | Nights of a Thousand Candles, New Year’s Eve, holiday travelers |
The revenue strategy: June and July carry the entire year. A well-priced two-bedroom near the beach can generate $7,000–$9,000 in those two months alone. That summer surge subsidizes the slower winter months. Operators who fail in Myrtle Beach almost always make the same mistake — they don’t price aggressively enough during peak season and don’t lower rates fast enough during the off-season.
Use dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs or Beyond to automate these swings. Manual pricing in a market this seasonal will cost you thousands in missed revenue.
Property Management and Automation in Myrtle Beach
Running a rental arbitrage operation in a seasonal market like Myrtle Beach demands automation. You can’t manually manage 10–12 turnovers a month during peak season while also handling guest communication, pricing adjustments, and maintenance requests. Here’s the stack I recommend:
Essential Automation Tools
- Property Management Software (PMS): Hospitable, Guesty, or Hostaway. These handle multi-platform listing sync, automated messaging, and calendar management. Budget $20–$50 per property per month.
- Dynamic Pricing: PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing. In Myrtle Beach’s seasonal market, dynamic pricing alone can increase annual revenue 15–25% versus static pricing. These tools adjust your rates daily based on local demand, events, competitor pricing, and booking pace.
- Smart Access: August or Schlage Encode smart locks for keyless entry. Essential for turnover days when you might have a checkout at 11 AM and a check-in at 4 PM. No more key exchanges.
- Noise Monitoring: Minut or NoiseAware devices. Myrtle Beach attracts party groups, especially near Broadway and downtown. Noise monitors protect your relationship with landlords and neighbors — and your lease.
- Cleaning Management: TurnoverBnB or Breezeway. Automate cleaning assignments based on checkout times. During a July weekend, you might have three turnovers in a single day across multiple properties.
Building Your Local Team
Even with automation, you need people on the ground:
- Two reliable cleaning teams: Never depend on one. If your primary team cancels during peak season, you need a backup within 30 minutes. Myrtle Beach has plenty of vacation rental cleaning companies — vet at least three before committing.
- A handyman: Someone who can handle plumbing issues, HVAC problems, and general repairs within 24 hours. Tourist-area handymen stay busy, so establish the relationship before you need them urgently.
- A co-host (optional): If you’re managing remotely, a local co-host who can handle emergencies, restocking, and quality checks is worth 10–15% of revenue. Several experienced co-hosts operate in the Myrtle Beach market.
For the full toolkit breakdown, read our Airbnb automation tools guide.
Myrtle Beach Rental Arbitrage FAQ
Is rental arbitrage legal in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, but only in specific zoning districts. Short-term rentals (under 90 days) are prohibited in any district starting with “R” (residential), except for RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor). Legal zones include RMV, MU-H, C6, A, E, HC1, and HC2. You also need a City of Myrtle Beach business license and must collect the 3% local accommodations tax. Verify your property’s zoning before signing any lease — operating illegally carries fines up to $500 plus court costs and potential jail time.
How much can I realistically make with rental arbitrage in Myrtle Beach?
A well-managed two-bedroom unit in a prime zone can generate $3,500–$5,000 per month in gross revenue annually, with monthly profit ranging from $800 to $2,500 depending on location and operating costs. The key variable is seasonal pricing — June and July alone can produce $7,000–$9,000 in revenue, which offsets the slower winter months. Operators running 3–5 units often see $5,000–$10,000 in monthly profit across their portfolio.
Do I need a landlord’s permission for rental arbitrage?
Absolutely. You need explicit written permission to sublet. This should be documented in your lease or a separate subletting addendum. Operating without landlord consent can result in lease termination, eviction, and loss of your entire investment. Our rental arbitrage contract guide includes the specific clauses you need.
What’s the best time of year to start rental arbitrage in Myrtle Beach?
March through April is the sweet spot. You want your listing live and optimized before Memorial Day weekend, when demand surges. Starting in March gives you 6–8 weeks to furnish, photograph, build reviews, and climb the platform algorithms before peak season hits. Avoid launching in June or July — you’ll miss the price ramp-up period when early bookings drive algorithmic visibility.
How does Myrtle Beach compare to other rental arbitrage markets?
Myrtle Beach offers a rare combination: relatively low rents, high nightly rates during peak season, and a regulatory environment that actively supports short-term rentals. Compared to Charleston (higher rents, stricter regulations) or Florida beach markets (higher competition, rising insurance costs), Myrtle Beach provides stronger margins for arbitrage operators. The main trade-off is severe seasonality — you need to price and budget for winter months with 38–42% occupancy. For a full comparison, see our rental arbitrage pros and cons analysis.
What insurance do I need for rental arbitrage in Myrtle Beach?
At minimum, you need: (1) Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance ($1 million liability coverage, included free), (2) a commercial general liability policy naming your landlord as additionally insured ($300–$600 per year), and (3) contents insurance covering your furniture and equipment ($150–$300 per year). Some operators also carry business interruption insurance, which covers lost revenue if the property becomes uninhabitable — worth considering given Myrtle Beach’s hurricane exposure during August through October.
Can I do rental arbitrage in North Myrtle Beach?
Yes. North Myrtle Beach is a separate municipality with its own regulations, and they’re generally more accommodating toward vacation rentals than the City of Myrtle Beach. You still need a North Myrtle Beach short-term rental license and must comply with their specific requirements, but the zoning restrictions are less complex. Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive are popular arbitrage areas in North Myrtle Beach.
Getting Started with Rental Arbitrage in Myrtle Beach
Here’s the action plan, step by step. Don’t skip any of these — the sequence matters.
- Learn the business model thoroughly. If you haven’t already, read our complete guide to starting an Airbnb business. Understand unit economics, guest management, and platform algorithms before you spend a dollar.
- Research zoning. Pull up the Myrtle Beach zoning map. Identify every RMV, MU-H, C6, HC1, and HC2 parcel. This is your universe of eligible properties. Don’t waste time looking outside these zones.
- Analyze your target submarket. Pick one of the five neighborhoods above. Run comps on Airbnb and VRBO — look at nightly rates, occupancy (use the calendar trick: count blocked dates for the next 60 days), and review counts. You want at least 15–20 comparable listings performing well.
- Find and pitch landlords. Start with 20 outreach attempts. Expect a 10–15% positive response rate. That means you need to contact 20+ landlords to land 2–3 serious conversations. Use the pitch script above.
- Secure your lease with subletting permission. Get the subletting clause in writing. No verbal agreements. Period.
- Get licensed. Apply for your City of Myrtle Beach business license immediately after signing your lease. Register for accommodations tax collection with the city and the state.
- Furnish and photograph. Budget 7–10 days for furnishing and staging. Then hire a professional photographer. In a market with 19,000+ vacation rental listings, your photos are what determine whether someone clicks your listing or scrolls past it.
- Launch and optimize. List on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. Set up dynamic pricing from day one. Price 15–20% below market for your first 30 days to generate bookings and reviews quickly. Then ramp up to market rate.
Myrtle Beach rewards operators who do their homework. The demand is there. The regulations, while specific, are navigable. And the arbitrage math works if you pick the right zone, price aggressively during peak season, and automate everything you can.
Ready to go deeper? The rental arbitrage hub page covers every aspect of building a profitable short-term rental portfolio — from your first unit to scaling past ten. And if you want the complete system for finding, funding, and filling properties, start here.
