Short Term Rentals on the Grand Strand:What the Numbers Actually Say in 2026

by Coastal Carolina Group

📊 Investor Guide • Grand Strand 2026

Short Term Rentals on the Grand Strand:
What the Numbers Actually Say in 2026

Real data, real expense ratios, real regulations — before you buy.

Is Myrtle Beach a Good Market for Short Term Rental Investment in 2026?

Yes — with meaningful caveats. The Grand Strand’s 20+ million annual visitors, strong peak season demand, and entry price points starting around $150,000 make it one of the most accessible coastal STR markets on the East Coast. But 2026 data shows a market that is maturing and bifurcating: average daily rates are up 8.4% to $280, but occupancy has dropped 5.3% to 53% and average annual revenue per listing is down slightly to approximately $26,100. The investors winning in this market are buying the right properties with the right zoning in the right communities — not buying generically and hoping the beach does the work.

Right now, thousands of motorcyclists are filling short term rentals across the Grand Strand for the 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally running September 30 through October 4. It’s a live example of exactly why investors keep looking at this market: the demand is real, it’s recurring, and it extends well beyond the summer peak season into fall events that drive occupancy in what would otherwise be shoulder months. Here’s the full picture.

📋 Grand Strand STR Market — Key 2026 Data

METRIC	2026 DATA
Annual Visitors	20+ million to the Myrtle Beach area annually
Average Daily Rate	$280 — up 8.4% year-over-year
Occupancy Rate	53% overall — down 5.3% YoY; 55–70% for well-managed oceanfront units
Avg. Annual Revenue	~$26,100 per listing — down 2.3% YoY
Oceanfront 2BR Gross	$25,000–$50,000+ per year for well-managed units
Active Listings	Down 6.0% year-over-year — less competition among active operators
Entry Price Point	$150,000–$350,000 for a cash-flow positive vacation rental
Expense Ratio	45–60% of gross revenue before debt service
Lodging Tax	~10% combined rate on gross rental income, self-remitted by host
Peak Season	May through September; July and August strongest at $5,000+ monthly — July typically the single best month

Source: AirDNA 2026, CCAR MLS, SC DOR · September 2026. Figures approximate. Individual property performance varies significantly.

Reading the Data

📈 What Do the 2026 STR Numbers Actually Tell Us?

The 2026 data tells a nuanced story that investor marketing materials almost never show you. Here’s how to read it honestly.

📉 What’s Softening

Overall occupancy is down 5.3% to 53%. Average annual revenue per listing is down 2.3% to ~$26,100. Active listings are down 6.0% — meaning the market has shed some of its weakest performers. The flood of pandemic-era STR entrants who bought on peak assumptions has partially washed out.

📈 What’s Strengthening

Average daily rate is up 8.4% to $280 — guests are paying more per night. Fewer active listings means the operators who remain are competing in a slightly tighter field. Well-managed oceanfront units are hitting 55–70% occupancy, well above the market average. Quality and management are increasingly the differentiators.

The combination of higher daily rates and lower overall occupancy signals a maturing market: guests are willing to pay more for quality, but they are choosing more selectively. The investors capturing the upside are those with well-located, well-presented, professionally managed properties. The ones seeing softer returns are those with dated units in less desirable locations who priced up assuming the market would carry them. This is not a market for passive assumptions anymore — if it ever was.

The Real Calendar

📅 What Does a Realistic STR Revenue Calendar Look Like on the Grand Strand?

The Grand Strand is a seasonal market. Understanding what that actually looks like month-by-month is the difference between a cash-flow plan that works and one that surprises you in January.

SEASON	MONTHS	EST. MONTHLY	DRIVER
Peak	July & August	$5,000+	Summer beach tourism at maximum volume — July is typically the single strongest month
Strong	June, May, September	$3,500–$5,000	Peak adjacency; fall events (Bike Week, SOS, World Amateur)
Shoulder	March, April, October	$2,800–$2,900	Retiree travel, golf season, spring breakers, fall events
Off-Season	November – February	$800–$1,500	Snowbirds, golf, minimal leisure travel

The fall event calendar is genuinely a cash flow asset that many investors underestimate. The 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally running this week (September 30 – October 4) fills properties across the Strand at rates that approach peak season. SOS Fall Migration in North Myrtle Beach (September 18–27) does the same thing. The World Amateur Handicap Championship in early September. These events turn what would otherwise be shoulder-season weeks into near-peak performers for well-located units.

⚠ The off-season is real and it matters: November through February is genuinely slow. Monthly income in the $800–$1,500 range for those four months is the honest number, not the exception. Investors who build their pro forma on June and August numbers and assume that rate carries year-round are setting themselves up for a cash flow problem in January. Budget the off-season conservatively and let the peak months be the upside — not the assumption.

Before You Buy

📋 What Are the Short Term Rental Rules in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach?

This is the section most investors read after they’ve already bought. Read it before.

Myrtle Beach STR Rules

✔ Zoning must allow STR use — verify the specific unit’s zoning before closing, not after. Most legitimate STR activity happens in resort-zoned condo communities where STR is an established permitted use.

✔ Stays must be under 90 days to qualify as short term accommodation under South Carolina tax law.

✔ No annual night cap in Myrtle Beach proper — you can rent as many nights per year as the market will support.

✔ Fewer than 30 grandfathered STR houses exist in traditional residential zones in Myrtle Beach. If you’re buying a single-family home in a residential neighborhood hoping to run an STR, confirm grandfathered status before you write an offer.

✔ Combined lodging tax approximately 10% of gross rental income, self-remitted by the host to SC DOR and the city. Include this in your pro forma from day one.

North Myrtle Beach STR Rules

✔ STR permit required — operators must obtain a permit from the City of North Myrtle Beach before listing a property.

✔ Local responsible agent required — a locally accessible contact must be designated and available for guest issues. This requirement effectively encourages professional management for out-of-area owners.

✔ HOA rental policies vary significantly by community and sub-section within NMB. Barefoot Resort sections vary — some allow STR, others restrict it. Always confirm the specific unit’s HOA rules in writing before purchase.

💡 The HOA layer matters as much as zoning: Even in a properly zoned community, the HOA can restrict or prohibit short term rentals independently of city zoning. We have seen buyers close on properties believing they were STR-eligible, only to discover the HOA had rental restrictions the listing agent didn’t surface. Confirm both zoning AND HOA rental policy in writing before you close.

Where to Buy

📍 Which Grand Strand Communities Are Best for Short Term Rental Investment?

Not all Grand Strand communities are created equal for STR investment. Here’s where the most established and reliable STR infrastructure exists:

🌊 Oceanfront Condo Buildings — Myrtle Beach Proper

The core of the Grand Strand STR market. Established resort-zoned condo communities along the oceanfront have decades of STR infrastructure — professional management companies, on-site rental programs, established booking pipelines, and buyers who understand what they’re purchasing. Entry points from $150,000 to $350,000. Gross annual income ranges widely based on unit size, floor, view, and management quality. Confirm: zoning, HOA rental policy, HOA financials and reserve status, and building age before buying.

⛳ Barefoot Resort — North Myrtle Beach

One of the most recognized resort brands on the Strand for vacation renters. Four championship golf courses, Intracoastal Waterway location, established vacation rental management infrastructure. Select sections allow STR — confirm the specific unit’s section policy before purchase. Golf-themed demand extends rental appeal into spring and fall shoulder months when purely beach-focused properties soften. Townhomes from $300,000–$500,000; condos from $200,000 in permitted sections.

🏘 Market Common Area — Myrtle Beach

The Market Common district and surrounding neighborhoods blend STR flexibility with strong resale value — a combination that purely oceanfront condo buildings sometimes sacrifice. Walkable lifestyle appeal, proximity to restaurants and entertainment, and a buyer pool that includes both owner-occupants and investors create better long-term liquidity. Confirm individual unit or townhome STR permissions before purchasing.

🏠 Surfside Beach & Garden City — Single-Family STR Sweet Spot

One of the most underrated STR opportunities on the Grand Strand — and a strong recommendation from operators who know this market well. Single-family homes in Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach, particularly those with private pools, are performing exceptionally well as vacation rentals. The family market for a house-with-a-pool near the beach is a completely different demand category from condo rentals — and it’s a demand category the Grand Strand condo inventory can’t serve.

A practical advantage worth calling out directly: Surfside Beach and Garden City do not require you to designate a local responsible agent the way North Myrtle Beach does. For out-of-area investors who prefer to self-manage or use a remote property manager, that regulatory difference matters. Entry prices for STR-eligible single-family homes with pools in this area typically run $400,000–$700,000+, with gross rental income that can meaningfully exceed comparable condo units given the premium guests pay for private pool access and the space a house provides for larger families and groups.

🏨 Myrtlewood — Myrtle Beach

Spacious condo units with fully equipped kitchens, resort-style pools, and an established short-term rental history. Central Myrtle Beach location near Restaurant Row and the beach. One of the more accessible entry points to golf community STR investment, with condos available in the $150,000–$300,000 range in permitted sections.

💡 The honest note on location within a building: In an oceanfront condo building, the view and the floor matter significantly to rental income. An oceanfront unit will outperform an ocean-view unit at the same square footage and price point. A higher floor outperforms a lower floor in most buildings. These differences show up materially in occupancy and daily rate — and they should show up in your purchase price negotiation.

Run the Numbers

💰 How Much Can You Realistically Earn From a Myrtle Beach Airbnb?

Here’s a realistic example for a $250,000 oceanfront 2BR condo — the kind of property that represents a typical mid-range STR investment on the Grand Strand.

LINE ITEM	ANNUAL ESTIMATE
Gross Rental Income	$30,000
Property Management (25–30% of gross)	($7,500–$9,000)
Cleaning & Turnover (est.)	($2,500–$4,000)
HOA Fees (est. $300–$500/month)	($3,600–$6,000)
Insurance (coastal, est.)	($2,000–$3,500)
Lodging Tax (~10% of gross)	($3,000)
Maintenance, Supplies, Platform Fees	($2,000–$3,000)
Net Operating Income (before debt service)	~$7,000–$12,000
Estimated mortgage (20% down, 7% rate, 30yr)	~$15,960/yr
Cash Flow After Debt Service	Slightly negative to slightly positive

That analysis shows a property that is roughly cash-flow neutral with conventional financing at current rates — meaning the investment thesis depends on appreciation, tax benefits from depreciation, and personal use value rather than strong monthly cash flow. Properties purchased with larger down payments, paying cash, or generating higher gross income (oceanfront direct views, better-performing communities) change the math meaningfully. This is why the property, the zoning, and the management matter more than the headline gross number.

Avoid These

⚠ What Do Most First-Time STR Investors Get Wrong on the Grand Strand?

These are the conversations we have after the closing that we wish we could have had before it.

❌ Treating gross income as profit

A property projected to earn $30,000 gross is not earning $30,000. After management, cleaning, HOA, insurance, taxes, and maintenance, the expense ratio is commonly 45–60% of gross. Build the full expense model before you make an offer — not after you get the keys.

❌ Projecting peak season rates year-round

July and August are typically the two strongest months, often generating $5,000+ monthly. June and September are strong follow-ups. November through February generate $800–$1,500. If your pro forma uses June numbers across 12 months, your investment thesis is fiction. Model the seasonal curve honestly.

❌ Skipping zoning and HOA verification

Both must be confirmed. Zoning alone doesn’t guarantee STR eligibility if the HOA restricts rentals. HOA approval alone doesn’t help if the unit isn’t in an STR-eligible zone. Confirm both in writing before you close.

❌ Underestimating HOA fees and special assessments

Oceanfront condo HOA fees can run $400–$900+ per month. An underfunded HOA reserve is a special assessment risk that can erase a year’s net income in a single bill. Request the HOA financials, reserve study, and meeting minutes before closing. This step is non-negotiable.

❌ Not having a property manager in place before closing

A good local property manager is not something you find after the keys are in hand. Interview managers, understand their fee structures and booking approaches, and have one committed before closing. The difference between a well-managed and poorly managed property on the Grand Strand is often $5,000–$10,000 in annual revenue and a dramatically different owner experience.

Our Local Angle

🤝 How We Help STR Investors on the Grand Strand

We help investors evaluate short term rental properties across all seven Grand Strand markets every week. We are not running generic Airbnb income projections from a national website — we know which buildings have STR-friendly zoning, which HOAs have restrictive rental caps buried in the CC&Rs, and which communities are actually delivering the returns the marketing promises vs. which ones are trading on reputation from five years ago.

We know which oceanfront condo buildings have well-funded reserves and which ones have deferred maintenance that will translate into a special assessment for new buyers. We know which property management companies on the Strand have strong booking performance and which ones underperform the market average. And we know how to read a rental history report from a seller and identify the gaps between what it shows and what the property will actually generate for a new owner.

That local intelligence is the difference between a good investment and an expensive lesson. It is also, frankly, why having a buyer’s agent who knows this market matters on an STR purchase — and why that representation costs you nothing, since the seller pays the commission regardless.

Thinking About a Short Term Rental Investment on the Grand Strand?

Let’s run the real numbers together before you buy — the gross income, the full expense model, the zoning confirmation, the HOA review. The honest picture, before you’re committed to it.

No pressure. Just a straight conversation from someone who works this market every week.

FAQ

❓ Questions STR Investors Are Actually Asking Right Now

Is Myrtle Beach a good market for short term rental investment in 2026?

Yes, with meaningful caveats. The market’s 20+ million annual visitors, accessible entry prices ($150,000–$350,000 for STR-eligible condos), and strong peak season demand create a legitimate investment opportunity. The 2026 data shows average daily rates up 8.4% to $280, which means guests are paying more. But overall occupancy has slipped to 53% and average annual revenue per listing is approximately $26,100 — a mature market where quality and management increasingly separate the outperformers from the underperformers. Buyers who do the due diligence on zoning, HOA policy, building condition, and management infrastructure can find solid performing assets. Buyers who buy generically and hope the beach carries them are seeing softer results.

How much does a short term rental property cost in Myrtle Beach?

STR-eligible properties on the Grand Strand range from approximately $150,000 for smaller ocean-view condo units in established resort buildings to $350,000+ for larger oceanfront units with direct views and full kitchens. Golf community condos at Myrtlewood or Barefoot Resort (in permitted sections) also fall in the $150,000–$350,000 range. Higher-end oceanfront 2BR units with established rental histories can run $400,000–$600,000+. The price point matters significantly: a cash-flow model that works at $200,000 with conventional financing may not work at $400,000 without a larger down payment or exceptional gross income.

What is the average occupancy rate for Myrtle Beach vacation rentals?

The overall market average is approximately 53% in 2026 — down 5.3% year-over-year. However, this average masks significant variation. Well-managed oceanfront condos in established resort buildings with professional management typically achieve 55–70% annual occupancy. Poorly positioned units, ocean-view without direct oceanfront, or units managed without active pricing optimization typically run below 50%. The spread between a well-run and a poorly run STR on the Grand Strand is often 15–20 occupancy percentage points — which translates directly to thousands of dollars in annual income.

What are the short term rental rules in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach?

In Myrtle Beach: STR use must be permitted by the specific zoning of the property; stays must be under 90 days; no annual night cap; fewer than 30 grandfathered STR houses exist in residential zones meaning most activity is in resort-zoned condo communities; combined lodging tax is approximately 10% of gross income, self-remitted. In North Myrtle Beach: an STR permit from the city is required; a locally accessible responsible agent must be designated; HOA rental policies vary significantly by community and sub-section. Both cities: always verify both zoning AND HOA policy independently before purchasing.

What taxes do short term rental owners pay in Myrtle Beach?

The combined lodging tax rate is approximately 10% of gross rental income, composed of South Carolina accommodations tax, a local hospitality tax, and the state sales tax on accommodations. Hosts are responsible for self-remitting these taxes to the SC Department of Revenue and/or the city — platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some portions in some jurisdictions, but owners should verify what is and is not being handled by the platform vs. their own responsibility. In addition, rental income is taxable federal and state income, offset by deductions for depreciation, mortgage interest, management fees, HOA, insurance, and other operating expenses. Consult a tax professional who works with short-term rental income for your specific situation.

Which Grand Strand communities are best for short term rental investment?

The most established STR-friendly communities on the Grand Strand include: oceanfront resort-zoned condo buildings in Myrtle Beach proper (established booking pipelines, strong management infrastructure); Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach in permitted sections (four-course golf draw, established vacation rental brand, Intracoastal setting); Myrtlewood in central Myrtle Beach (established golf community rental history, accessible entry price); Market Common-area properties that blend STR flexibility with lifestyle appeal and strong resale value, and Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach single-family homes with pools — a strong-performing segment that serves the family vacation market and doesn’t require designating a local responsible agent the way NMB does. Always confirm the specific unit’s section-level HOA rental permissions — not just the community-level name — before purchasing.

Do I need a property manager for a short term rental in Myrtle Beach?

For out-of-area owners, practically yes — and North Myrtle Beach legally requires a locally accessible responsible agent. Professional management typically costs 25–30% of gross revenue and handles booking optimization, guest communication, cleaning coordination, maintenance response, and pricing strategy. Self-management is possible for local owners but requires significant active involvement. The difference between a good property manager and an average one on the Grand Strand can be 10–20 occupancy points, which at $280 average daily rate translates to thousands of dollars in annual income. Interview multiple managers, review their booking performance on comparable units, and have one committed before you close — not after.

How much can I realistically earn from a Myrtle Beach Airbnb?

For a well-managed oceanfront 2BR condo: gross annual income in the $25,000–$50,000 range, with the market average at approximately $26,100. After expenses (management, cleaning, HOA, insurance, taxes, maintenance) at a 45–60% expense ratio, net operating income before debt service is typically $10,000–$16,000 on a $30,000 gross property. With conventional financing, this often produces neutral to slight negative cash flow — meaning the investment case relies on appreciation, depreciation tax benefits, and personal use value alongside the rental income. Properties purchased for cash or with large down payments, or properties generating higher gross income through better location and management, change the math meaningfully. Run a full pro forma with realistic seasonal revenue — not just peak season numbers — before you make an offer.

STR market data sourced from AirDNA 2026 market reports, SC Department of Revenue, City of Myrtle Beach and City of North Myrtle Beach ordinances, and CCAR MLS September 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on market averages and do not guarantee individual property performance. Tax information is general in nature — consult a licensed tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Zoning and HOA information is subject to change — verify directly with the relevant authority before purchasing. For informational purposes only. Not financial, tax, or real estate advice.

Coastal Carolina Group • Myrtle Beach, SC
For informational purposes only. Not financial, tax, or real estate advice.