Bluffton, South Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Bluffton, South Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $39,060 per year — at a $302 nightly rate, 46.2% occupancy, and a $133 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

At 173 active listings, Bluffton is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 49.1% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Bluffton?

In Bluffton, the headline Airbnb metrics are $39,060 in average annual revenue,46.2% occupancy, $302 ADR, and $133 in RevPAR, and guests book about 54 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$302
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Bluffton.
Occupancy Rate(?)
46.2%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$39,060
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Bluffton. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$133
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-4.1%
Slight decrease (-4.1%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
173
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
54 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Bluffton. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Bluffton.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Bluffton.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Bluffton?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Bluffton is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Bluffton is typically July, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Bluffton across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,290+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,694 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,453 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,049, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Bluffton

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Bluffton?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Bluffton STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Bluffton:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 80%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 66% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 47%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 29% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Bluffton

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Bluffton?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Bluffton involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bluffton typically peaks in March and dips lowest during November. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $697+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $372 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $251 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $169 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Bluffton

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Bluffton?

RevPAR in Bluffton is currently $133. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $78 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $118 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $175 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $245 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Bluffton

RevPAR Insights for Bluffton

  • The average RevPAR in Bluffton is $133. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($245) and bottom 25% ($78) is $166, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Sep, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Bluffton benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $118, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $175+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Bluffton's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, April, while the softest stretch is January, February, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, June, April)
  • Revenue averages $5,201 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 58.0%
  • Daily rates average $337
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $4,207 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 44.9%
  • Daily rates hold near $350
Low Season (January, February, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $3,665 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 42.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $369

Seasonality Insights for Bluffton

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Bluffton shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Bluffton's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,558, occupancy reaching 59.2%, and ADRs peaking at $433.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $3,422, occupancy could drop to 36.7%, and ADRs may adjust to $296.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Bluffton.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Bluffton seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Bluffton, South Carolina, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Bluffton to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Bluffton is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Bluffton
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Old Town Bluffton
Charming historic district with preserved antebellum architecture and a quaint atmosphere. It's popular among tourists for its historic homes, art galleries, and vibrant local culture.
Bluffton Historic District, The Church of the Cross, Calhoun Street, Bluffton Farmers Market, Old Town Public Park
Hilton Head Island
Just a short drive from Bluffton, Hilton Head Island is a world-renowned vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches and golf courses, making it ideal for short-term rentals.
Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Shelter Cove Towne Centre, Daufuskie Island
Palmetto Bluff
An upscale community that offers luxury amenities, stunning waterfront views, and outdoor activities. It attracts affluent travelers and offers a unique experience.
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, Montage Palmetto Bluff, Lake Bales, Wilson Village, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
Bluffton Village
A community with a mixture of residential and commercial properties, it has a lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists.
Bluffton Library, The Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, Local restaurants and shops, Chatham Epicurean, The Calhoun Street Promenade
May River
Renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, this area attracts families and nature lovers looking for water-related excursions and scenic views.
May River Boat Landing, May River Golf Club, Water sports activities, Eco-tours, Fishing charters
Belfair
A luxurious, gated community offering beautiful homes and an upscale lifestyle, appealing to those looking for a tranquil retreat yet close to attractions.
Belfair Golf Club, Belfair Village, Nature trails, Waterways, Timberlake Preserve
Windmill Harbour
This community is known for its marina and beautiful waterways, making it a prime location for tourists interested in boating and fishing.
Windmill Harbour Marina, South Carolina Yacht Club, Beautiful waterfront views, Walking trails, Local dining options
Rose Hill
A family-friendly community featuring parks and recreational areas, appealing to guests looking for outdoor activities and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Rose Hill Plantation, Parks and playgrounds, Walking and biking trails, Access to May River, Community events

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Bluffton offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Bluffton?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Bluffton

  • The Bluffton Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 93.1% of the 173 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Bluffton, House properties are the most common (71.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 71.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 9.8% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique (combined 4.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Bluffton Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Bluffton

  • The dominant room capacity in Bluffton is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 31.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 54.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Bluffton, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 48.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Bluffton.

Bluffton Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Bluffton

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Bluffton vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (27.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Bluffton STR market, accounting for 53.2% of listings.
  • 55.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Bluffton.
  • On average, properties in Bluffton are equipped to host 5.1 guests.

How Do Listings in Bluffton Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Bluffton can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
30.8
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
3
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
31.2%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Bluffton

  • At 30.8 photos per listing on average, Bluffton hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 31.2% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Bluffton averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Bluffton?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Bluffton

  • Essential amenities in Bluffton that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Kitchen, Free parking on premises, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Bluffton: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Heating.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Free parking on premises to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Bluffton to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Bluffton?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Bluffton, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Hair dryer
91.9%$41,637$9,788325.4%
Kitchen
93.1%$40,997$13,067213.8%
Cooking basics
90.2%$41,839$13,559208.6%
Washer
86.7%$41,684$21,94490.0%
Hot water
91.9%$40,539$22,25582.2%
Dishwasher
75.1%$43,891$24,45379.5%
Coffee maker
91.9%$40,486$22,86377.1%
Babysitter recommendations
5.2%$64,534$37,66271.4%
Oven
79.8%$42,587$25,15169.3%
Pack ’n play/Travel crib
30.6%$54,462$32,25768.8%

Revenue Impact Insights for Bluffton

  • Hair dryer tops the revenue impact list with a 325.4% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $41,637 vs. $9,788 without it.
  • Hair dryer, Kitchen, Cooking basics, Washer, Hot water, Coffee maker — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Bluffton STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Bluffton. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Bluffton Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Bluffton

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Bluffton consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Charleston, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 97.4% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (97.4%) and United Kingdom (0.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (80.7%) followed by Spanish (10.2%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Charleston and Charlotte.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Bluffton?

Listings in Bluffton average 4.91 out of 5 overall, with about 111.7 reviews per active listing and 61.8% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Bluffton

  • With an overall rating of 4.91, Bluffton listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.95), while Value (4.85) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 61.8% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.

Bluffton Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Bluffton

  • The most common availability pattern in Bluffton falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 39.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 70.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Bluffton (38.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 31.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Bluffton?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Bluffton

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Bluffton is 54 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 72 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 33 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Spring (63 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (44 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (54 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bluffton.
  • For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 72 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 63 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Bluffton averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Guests in Bluffton stay about 5 nights on average, generating roughly 5,299 reservations and 30.6 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Bluffton

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Bluffton

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • At 30.6 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jan (6.7 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Bluffton Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (16.8%)

1 Night

29 listings

16.8% of total

2 Nights (34.1%)

2 Nights

59 listings

34.1% of total

3 Nights (10.4%)

3 Nights

18 listings

10.4% of total

4-6 Nights (0.6%)

4-6 Nights

1 listings

0.6% of total

7-29 Nights (2.9%)

7-29 Nights

5 listings

2.9% of total

30+ Nights (35.3%)

30+ Nights

61 listings

35.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bluffton is 30+ Nights, adopted by 35.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • A significant segment (35.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Bluffton, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 35.3% of Bluffton hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 16.8% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (34.1%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 35.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bluffton.

Bluffton Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited (5.8%)

Limited

10 listings

5.8% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

1.2% of total

Flexible (13.3%)

Flexible

23 listings

13.3% of total

Moderate (33.5%)

Moderate

58 listings

33.5% of total

Firm (37.6%)

Firm

65 listings

37.6% of total

Strict (8.7%)

Strict

15 listings

8.7% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Bluffton

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bluffton is Firm, used by 37.6% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (46.8%) and stricter (46.3%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
  • Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8.7%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 37.6% market standard in Bluffton.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Bluffton.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Bluffton?

Cleaning fees in Bluffton are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$224
Median Cleaning Fee
$170
Listings Charging a Fee
93.6%
Fee as Revenue Share
12.7%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Bluffton

  • 93.6% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Bluffton. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($224) and median ($170) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 12.7% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Bluffton median of $170. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Bluffton Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Blufftonbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Old Town + Home & Carriage House + EV Charger

Old Town + Home & Carriage House + EV Charger

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$139,865
Revenue
48.9%
Occupancy
$819.17
Daily Rate
The Oyster Haus | Old Town Bluffton | 4BR

The Oyster Haus | Old Town Bluffton | 4BR

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$118,930
Revenue
62.5%
Occupancy
$499.45
Daily Rate
Spacious 4 bedroom w/pool & GuestHouse Old Town

Spacious 4 bedroom w/pool & GuestHouse Old Town

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$111,785
Revenue
63.2%
Occupancy
$490.01
Daily Rate
Old Town Beaches and Birdies House

Old Town Beaches and Birdies House

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$103,141
Revenue
65.0%
Occupancy
$419.33
Daily Rate
Amazing Moreland 423

Amazing Moreland 423

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$100,453
Revenue
45.6%
Occupancy
$722.49
Daily Rate
Old Town Bluffton Home + FREE Golf Cart Included

Old Town Bluffton Home + FREE Golf Cart Included

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$97,331
Revenue
60.3%
Occupancy
$440.77
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Bluffton?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bluffton based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Bluffton by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Ellen8$651,580844.94/5.0
BlufftonTraveler10$444,770844.89/5.0
Evolve10$339,5134444.79/5.0
Brandon And Tiffany4$306,5805464.92/5.0
Gareth4$280,901905.00/5.0
Jonathan And Patricia3$267,8335014.99/5.0
Lb1$118,930435.00/5.0
Shannon1$111,785554.75/5.0
Amy5$104,5521354.75/5.0
Jessica1$103,141494.96/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Bluffton.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Bluffton?

Bluffton is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
78.0%
Professional Management
22.0%
Cohosted Listings
31.2%
Instant Book Enabled
5.8%
Simplified Pricing
77.5%

Host Profile Insights for Bluffton

  • With 78.0% Superhosts, Bluffton has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 22.0% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 5.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 77.5% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 31.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Bluffton averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Bluffton

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Bluffton, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Bluffton
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Ellen8$651,580$1,05831.3%4.94/5
BlufftonTraveler10$444,770$36145.6%4.89/5
Evolve10$339,513$26045.1%4.79/5
Brandon And Tiffany4$306,580$50645.0%4.92/5
Tessa2$93,089$58732.7%5.00/5
Lindsey1$73,464$33059.9%4.99/5
Host2coast3$69,793$29824.8%4.69/5
Matt1$47,032$28851.0%4.93/5
Beachside1$19,255$15951.2%4.90/5
Oceanside Properties1$17,643$18726.8%4.90/5

Management Company Insights for Bluffton

  • The leading management company, Ellen, operates 8 listings with $651,580 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Bluffton.
  • Top managers average 4 properties each, suggesting professional management in Bluffton still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.89/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Bluffton's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Bluffton Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Mount Pleasant, Bluffton has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $11 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Bluffton — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Isle of Palms1,012$7,321$764.8142%
Folly Beach901$7,179$604.4746%
Sullivan's Island22$6,805$899.2339%
Talahi Island41$6,021$368.1950%
Charleston1,839$5,628$408.2952%
Okatie10$5,565$527.2642%
Kiawah Island625$4,596$647.3833%
Mount Pleasant452$4,456$312.6753%
Whitemarsh Island81$4,438$321.1048%
Tybee Island1,354$4,357$437.6841%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Bluffton

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Bluffton.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bluffton?

Bluffton hosts earn about $39,060 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $302 and RevPAR of $133. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Bluffton, South Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Bluffton market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bluffton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bluffton is 46.2%. July is the strongest month and September is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Bluffton?

Listings in Bluffton average $302 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Bluffton?

Bluffton currently has about 173 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Bluffton?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Bluffton as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Bluffton?

RevPAR in Bluffton is about $133. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Bluffton?

At 46.2% occupancy, Bluffton can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $39,060, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Bluffton?

The average booking lead time in Bluffton is about 54 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bluffton include Old Town Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Bluffton?

entire_home listings make up 93.1% of the active supply in Bluffton. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Bluffton compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Bluffton's $39,060 and 46.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Bluffton?

The average Airbnb stay length in Bluffton is about 5 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Bluffton?

Airbnb listings in Bluffton average 4.91 out of 5 overall. About 61.8% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Bluffton?

Hair dryer and Kitchen are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Bluffton. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Bluffton?

Yes. About 93.6% of active Airbnb listings in Bluffton charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $224. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Bluffton?

A 78.0% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

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