Surfside Beach, South Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Surfside Beach, South Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $44,050 per year — at a $412 nightly rate, 41.1% occupancy, and a $179 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Surfside Beach's 470 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 51.1% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Surfside Beach?
In Surfside Beach, the headline Airbnb metrics are $44,050 in average annual revenue,41.1% occupancy, $412 ADR, and $179 in RevPAR, and guests book about 74 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Surfside Beach?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Surfside Beach across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $11,454+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,805 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,698 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,943, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Surfside Beach
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Surfside Beach?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 38%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Surfside Beach
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Surfside Beach?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Surfside Beach involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Surfside Beach typically peaks in July and dips lowest during October. 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 $762+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $513 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $297 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $210 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Surfside Beach
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Surfside Beach?
RevPAR in Surfside Beach is currently $179. 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 $87 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $145 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $234 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $345 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Surfside Beach
RevPAR Insights for Surfside Beach
- The average RevPAR in Surfside Beach is $179. 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% ($345) and bottom 25% ($87) is $258, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Surfside Beach benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $145, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $234+ 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 Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $9,127 per month
- Occupancy rates average 59.3%
- Daily rates average $441
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,397 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.8%
- Daily rates hold near $374
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,689 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 22.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $378
Seasonality Insights for Surfside Beach
- Airbnb seasonality in Surfside Beach is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Surfside Beach's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $10,582, occupancy reaching 64.4%, and ADRs peaking at $454.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,585, occupancy could drop to 20.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $350.
- 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 Surfside Beach.
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.
- In a highly seasonal market like Surfside Beach, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Surfside Beach?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Surfside Beach, 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 Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach?
Location within Surfside Beach matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Boulevard | The main strip running parallel to the beach, Ocean Boulevard offers direct access to the sandy shores and attracts tourists looking for convenience and beachfront accommodations. | Surfside Beach Pier, Surfside Beach, Local shops and restaurants, Water sports activities, Fishing spots |
| Dogwood Drive | A quieter residential area that provides a family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to parks and local attractions. Ideal for those looking for a peaceful retreat. | Surfside Beach Town Park, Playgrounds, Community events, Local grocery stores |
| Garden City | Located just south of Surfside Beach, this area is known for its relaxed beach vibe and is popular among visitors seeking a calm and enjoyable beach experience. | Garden City Pier, Beachfront restaurants, Fishing charters, Water sports, Local markets |
| Murrells Inlet | Just a short drive from Surfside, this area is famous for its waterfront dining and natural beauty, appealing to both tourists and locals. | Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, Live music dining, Inlet fishing, Nearby state parks |
| Cherry Grove | A family-friendly beach community that offers a range of activities and attracts visitors with its scenic views and relaxed atmosphere. | Cherry Grove Fishing Pier, Local shops, Beach access, Watersports |
| North Myrtle Beach | A vibrant community with various shopping and dining options, North Myrtle Beach is popular for its entertainment and event options, making it attractive for guests. | Barefoot Landing, The Alabama Theatre, Local golf courses, Shopping centers |
| Pawleys Island | Rich in historical charm, Pawleys Island provides a serene escape with beautiful beaches, appealing to those looking for a more upscale vacation. | Historic plantations, Secluded beaches, Local artisans, Gourmet restaurants |
| Litchfield Beach | Known for its natural beauty and less crowded shores, Litchfield Beach appeals to families and couples looking for a peaceful getaway. | Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island Nature Park, Local dining spots, Biking and walking trails |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Surfside Beach
- The Surfside Beach Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 99.4% of the 470 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Surfside Beach, House properties are the most common (52.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 52.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique (combined 1.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Surfside Beach Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Surfside Beach
- The dominant room capacity in Surfside Beach is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 30.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 5+ bedrooms properties represent 54.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Surfside Beach, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 58.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Surfside Beach.
Surfside Beach Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Surfside Beach
- The most common guest capacity trend in Surfside Beach vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (57.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Surfside Beach STR market, accounting for 79.4% of listings.
- 82.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Surfside Beach.
- On average, properties in Surfside Beach are equipped to host 6.8 guests.
How Do Listings in Surfside Beach Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Surfside Beach 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.
Listing Quality Insights for Surfside Beach
- At 38.7 photos per listing on average, Surfside Beach hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 39.8% 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 Surfside Beach averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Surfside Beach?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Surfside Beach
- Essential amenities in Surfside Beach that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV, Kitchen, Heating, Washer, Dryer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Surfside Beach: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV, Kitchen, Heating, Washer, Dryer.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV, Kitchen, Heating, Washer, Dryer.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Refrigerator 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 Surfside Beach to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Surfside Beach?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Surfside Beach, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 97.2% | $45,025 | $9,768 | 361.0% |
Baby safety gatesHigh opportunity | 5.3% | $94,353 | $41,224 | 128.9% |
Kitchen | 98.1% | $44,528 | $19,555 | 127.7% |
Game consoleHigh opportunity | 2.3% | $94,506 | $42,841 | 120.6% |
Washer | 96.6% | $44,859 | $21,115 | 112.4% |
Mini fridgeHigh opportunity | 6.2% | $87,476 | $41,195 | 112.3% |
High chair | 11.5% | $81,689 | $39,164 | 108.6% |
Free parking on premises | 98.7% | $44,335 | $22,046 | 101.1% |
Crib | 10.6% | $78,731 | $39,922 | 97.2% |
Dryer | 95.3% | $45,068 | $23,323 | 93.2% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Surfside Beach
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 361.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $45,025 vs. $9,768 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Baby safety gates, Game console, Mini fridge — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating, Kitchen, Washer, Free parking on premises, Dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Baby safety gates — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Surfside Beach.
- 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 Surfside Beach STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Surfside Beach. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSurfside Beach Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Surfside Beach
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Surfside Beach consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.4%) and Canada (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (81.2%) followed by Spanish (10.4%).
- 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 Charlotte and Greenville.
- 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 Surfside Beach?
Listings in Surfside Beach average 4.79 out of 5 overall, with about 34.4 reviews per active listing and 34.3% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Surfside Beach
- An average rating of 4.79 places Surfside Beach in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.92), while Cleanliness (4.72) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 34.3% 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 Cleanliness — 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.
Surfside Beach Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Surfside Beach
- The most common availability pattern in Surfside Beach falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 46.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 87.5% 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 Surfside Beach (42.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.1% 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 Surfside Beach?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Surfside Beach
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Surfside Beach is 74 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 96 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 34 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (88 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (39 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (74 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Surfside Beach.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 96 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 88 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Surfside Beach averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Surfside Beach?
Guests in Surfside Beach stay about 5.6 nights on average, generating roughly 8,712 reservations and 18.5 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 Surfside Beach
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Surfside Beach
- 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.
- 18.5 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (6.6 nights) and shorten in Nov (4 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.
Surfside Beach Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
19 listings
4% of total
2 Nights
53 listings
11.3% of total
3 Nights
73 listings
15.5% of total
4-6 Nights
69 listings
14.7% of total
7-29 Nights
34 listings
7.2% of total
30+ Nights
222 listings
47.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Surfside Beach is 30+ Nights, adopted by 47.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (15.3%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (47.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Surfside Beach, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 47.2% of Surfside Beach hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 47.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Surfside Beach.
Surfside Beach Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
91 listings
19.4% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
21 listings
4.5% of total
Refundable
1 listings
0.2% of total
Flexible
14 listings
3% of total
Moderate
64 listings
13.6% of total
Firm
199 listings
42.4% of total
Strict
79 listings
16.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Surfside Beach
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Surfside Beach is Firm, used by 42.4% of listings.
- A majority (59.2%) of hosts in Surfside Beach utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 42.4% market standard in Surfside Beach.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Surfside Beach.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Surfside Beach?
Cleaning fees in Surfside Beach 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.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Surfside Beach
- 89.6% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Surfside Beach. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($397) and median ($265) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 14.3% 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 Surfside Beach median of $265. 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 Surfside Beach Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Surfside Beachbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Driftwood Haus | Surfside • Beachfront •Hot Tub
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Shore Nuff:1 block to bch, priv pool, Golf Cart
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
4br Full House Beachfront, PrivatePool, Photoshoot
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
311B - True Beachfront w/ Private Walkway and Pool
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
300 steps to beach~Private Pool~Elevator~NewHome
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
True beachfront - In Top 1% of all Airbnb Homes
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
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 Surfside Beach?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Surfside Beach based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Star Realty | 44 | $1,350,709 | 110 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Evolve | 20 | $771,107 | 566 | 4.73/5.0 |
| BASK Away. | 10 | $725,934 | 86 | 4.65/5.0 |
| ITrip | 23 | $689,741 | 238 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Barrett | 22 | $672,051 | 593 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Zack | 7 | $620,264 | 272 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Karen | 3 | $425,187 | 147 | 4.96/5.0 |
| David | 5 | $416,988 | 126 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Peter | 7 | $396,333 | 135 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Justin Myrtle Beach Management | 11 | $361,818 | 168 | 4.59/5.0 |
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 Surfside Beach.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Surfside Beach
- With 53.2% Superhosts, Surfside Beach has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 41.7% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 7.9% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 65.7% 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 16.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Surfside Beach averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Surfside Beach
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Surfside Beach, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Star Realty | 44 | $1,350,709 | $756 | 24.5% | 4.69/5 |
| Evolve | 20 | $771,107 | $278 | 45.8% | 4.73/5 |
| BASK Away. | 10 | $725,934 | $649 | 39.3% | 4.65/5 |
| ITrip | 23 | $689,741 | $352 | 37.2% | 4.62/5 |
| Barrett | 22 | $672,051 | $227 | 47.4% | 4.80/5 |
| Karen | 3 | $425,187 | $630 | 56.8% | 4.96/5 |
| David | 5 | $416,988 | $1,040 | 27.0% | 4.70/5 |
| Justin Myrtle Beach Management | 11 | $361,818 | $280 | 51.3% | 4.59/5 |
| Wander | 1 | $333,690 | $2,010 | 57.8% | 4.91/5 |
| Luxury Beach Rentals | 2 | $242,831 | $1,159 | 38.5% | 4.76/5 |
Management Company Insights for Surfside Beach
- The leading management company, Sea Star Realty, operates 44 listings with $1,350,709 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Surfside Beach.
- Top managers average 14 properties each, suggesting professional management in Surfside Beach still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.74/5 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 Surfside Beach's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Surfside Beach 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, Surfside Beach has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $99 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Palms | 1,012 | $7,321 | $764.81 | 42% |
| Folly Beach | 901 | $7,179 | $604.47 | 46% |
| Sullivan's Island | 22 | $6,805 | $899.23 | 39% |
| Charleston | 1,839 | $5,628 | $408.29 | 52% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Mount Pleasant | 452 | $4,456 | $312.67 | 53% |
| Bald Head Island | 207 | $4,317 | $642.03 | 32% |
| Kure Beach | 498 | $3,894 | $452.28 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Surfside Beach
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Surfside Beach.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach hosts earn about $44,050 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $412 and RevPAR of $179. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Surfside Beach market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surfside Beach?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Surfside Beach is 41.1%. July is the strongest month and January 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 Surfside Beach?
Listings in Surfside Beach average $412 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 Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach currently has about 470 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 Surfside Beach?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach?
RevPAR in Surfside Beach is about $179. 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 Surfside Beach?
At 41.1% occupancy, Surfside Beach 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 $44,050, 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 Surfside Beach?
The average booking lead time in Surfside Beach is about 74 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 Surfside Beach?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Surfside Beach include Ocean Boulevard, Dogwood Drive, Garden City. 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 Surfside Beach?
entire_home listings make up 99.4% of the active supply in Surfside Beach. 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 Surfside Beach compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Surfside Beach's $44,050 and 41.1%. 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 Surfside Beach?
The average Airbnb stay length in Surfside Beach is about 5.6 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 Surfside Beach?
Airbnb listings in Surfside Beach average 4.79 out of 5 overall. About 34.3% 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 Surfside Beach?
Heating and Baby safety gates are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Surfside Beach. 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 Surfside Beach?
Yes. About 89.6% of active Airbnb listings in Surfside Beach charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $397. 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 Surfside Beach?
A 53.2% 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.