Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast, drawing over 20 million visitors per year to its 60 miles of Grand Strand coastline. For short term rental investors, that visitor volume translates into real revenue. But how much can you actually expect to make?
The answer depends on property type, location, amenities, and how well you manage your rental. In this guide, we break down realistic revenue numbers for Myrtle Beach short term rentals using percentile data, walk through what drives income in this market, and help you figure out whether the numbers work for your investment goals.
If you are new to STR investing, start with our complete guide on how to buy a short term rental before diving into market-specific numbers.
Myrtle Beach Short Term Rental Revenue: The Numbers
Here is what short term rentals in the Myrtle Beach area are generating annually:
- 50th percentile: $28,000/year
- 75th percentile: $42,000/year
- 90th percentile: $65,000/year
These numbers represent gross revenue before expenses. The 50th percentile is your median performer. If you are buying a standard condo and managing it competently, this is a reasonable baseline expectation. The 75th percentile reflects properties with strong locations, good amenities, and solid management. The 90th percentile represents top performers: oceanfront homes, large properties that sleep big groups, or units with premium amenities and aggressive marketing.
What Do These Percentiles Actually Mean?
When we talk about the 50th percentile, we mean half of all short term rentals in the market earn less than this number and half earn more. It is the middle of the pack. The 75th percentile means only 25% of properties outperform this level. The 90th percentile is the top 10%.
Why does this matter? Because too many investors look at “average revenue” numbers and assume that is what they will earn. Averages get pulled up by outliers. Percentile data gives you a much more honest picture of what is realistic.
Revenue by Property Type
Myrtle Beach is a condo-heavy market. That is actually one of its biggest advantages for investors, because condos offer a lower barrier to entry than single family homes in most beach markets.
Condos ($100K to $300K)
The bread and butter of Myrtle Beach STR investing. Oceanfront one-bedroom and two-bedroom condos in this price range can generate $20,000 to $35,000 annually depending on location, floor level, and ocean view. A well-located two-bedroom oceanfront condo purchased for $200,000 generating $30,000 in gross revenue is a common scenario here.
The key variables for condo revenue:
- Ocean view vs. ocean facing: Direct oceanfront units command significantly higher nightly rates
- Floor level: Higher floors with better views book more consistently
- Building amenities: Pools, lazy rivers, and on-site dining attract families
- Bedroom count: Two bedrooms and above perform noticeably better than studios or one-bedrooms
Single Family Homes ($250K to $500K)
Homes in this range typically sit a few blocks from the beach or in areas like Surfside Beach, Garden City, and North Myrtle Beach. They offer more space, private pools (a major revenue driver), and appeal to larger groups. Annual revenue for well-positioned homes in this range often falls between $35,000 and $55,000.
Oceanfront Premium Properties ($400K to $800K+)
Large oceanfront homes, particularly in North Myrtle Beach or Pawleys Island, can push into the 90th percentile and beyond. These properties sleep 10 or more guests, often have private pools, and command $300 to $600+ per night during peak summer weeks. Annual revenue of $55,000 to $80,000+ is achievable for these properties.
What Drives Revenue in Myrtle Beach?
Seasonality
Myrtle Beach has a pronounced seasonal pattern. Summer (June through August) is the peak season, with the highest nightly rates and near-full occupancy. Spring and fall shoulder seasons bring moderate demand, especially around golf season and holiday weekends. Winter is the slowest period, though Myrtle Beach performs better than many assume due to snowbirds, golf tourism, and winter events.
A typical revenue breakdown by season:
- Summer (Jun to Aug): 45% to 55% of annual revenue
- Spring/Fall (Mar to May, Sep to Nov): 30% to 35% of annual revenue
- Winter (Dec to Feb): 10% to 20% of annual revenue
The Golf Factor
Myrtle Beach is known as the golf capital of the world, with over 100 courses in the area. Golf tourism extends the booking season well beyond the summer beach months. Properties that market to golfers (especially those near popular courses or offering golf package tie-ins) see stronger spring and fall bookings.
Family Appeal
The Grand Strand is heavily family-oriented. Properties that cater to families (multiple bedrooms, kid-friendly amenities, proximity to attractions like Broadway at the Beach and the SkyWheel) tend to outperform properties that do not specifically target this demographic.
Visitor Volume
Over 20 million visitors per year create deep and consistent demand. Unlike smaller beach markets where a single bad weather week can tank your month, Myrtle Beach has enough visitor volume to absorb fluctuations. This volume also means strong midweek bookings during peak season, not just weekends.
How Myrtle Beach Compares to Other Beach Markets
One of Myrtle Beach’s biggest selling points is affordability. You can get into this market at price points that are simply not available in places like Destin, 30A, or the Outer Banks.
Consider the comparison: a $200,000 oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach generating $30,000 in gross revenue produces a 15% gross yield. A $500,000 property in Destin or 30A might generate $50,000, but that is only a 10% gross yield. The entry point matters enormously for cash flow.
For a detailed comparison with another affordable beach market, see our guide on Myrtle Beach vs. Gulf Shores for short term rental investing.
You can also explore opportunities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach or Panama City Beach.
How to Maximize Revenue in Myrtle Beach
1. Buy the Right Property
This sounds obvious, but it is where most investors either win or lose. In Myrtle Beach, that means prioritizing ocean views, building amenities, and location within the Grand Strand. A second-row condo with no view at a great price will almost always underperform a direct oceanfront unit at a slightly higher price point.
2. Invest in Professional Photos and Listings
The Myrtle Beach market is competitive. There are thousands of rental units along the Grand Strand. Professional photography, well-written listings, and accurate descriptions set top performers apart from the middle of the pack.
3. Price Dynamically
Static pricing leaves money on the table. Use dynamic pricing tools that adjust your nightly rate based on demand, local events, competitor pricing, and seasonality. The difference between static and dynamic pricing in a seasonal market like Myrtle Beach can be 15% to 25% in annual revenue.
4. Target Multiple Guest Demographics
Do not just market to summer beach families. Position your listing to attract golfers in spring and fall, snowbirds in winter, and couples on weekend getaways year-round. Each demographic extends your booking calendar.
5. Maintain High Reviews
In a market with this much competition, reviews are everything. Properties with 4.8+ star ratings consistently outperform similar properties with lower ratings. Invest in cleanliness, communication, and small touches that generate positive reviews.
What About Expenses?
Gross revenue is only half the story. Myrtle Beach has specific expense considerations including HOA fees (which can be significant for condos), property management fees, insurance, and South Carolina taxes. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on Myrtle Beach short term rental expenses.
Understanding the tax implications for Myrtle Beach STRs is also critical, especially if you plan to take advantage of the short term rental tax loophole.
Is the Revenue Worth the Investment?
For many investors, yes. Myrtle Beach offers something rare among East Coast beach markets: affordable entry points with legitimate cash flow potential. A $150,000 to $250,000 condo generating $28,000 to $42,000 in gross revenue, with manageable expenses, can produce positive cash flow from year one.
The market is not without challenges. Seasonality means your winter months will be lean. The condo-heavy inventory means HOA fees are a real factor. And competition is stiff, so you need to manage actively or hire a strong property manager.
But for investors who buy smart, manage well, and think long-term, Myrtle Beach short term rentals deliver solid returns at price points that make the math work.
For a full analysis of whether this market is right for you, check out our deep dive: Is Myrtle Beach a Good Short Term Rental Investment?
FAQ
How much do Airbnbs make in Myrtle Beach?
Short term rentals in Myrtle Beach generate approximately $28,000 per year at the 50th percentile, $42,000 at the 75th percentile, and $65,000 at the 90th percentile. Your actual revenue depends on property type, location, amenities, and management quality.
What is the best type of property for a Myrtle Beach short term rental?
Oceanfront condos with two or more bedrooms offer the best combination of affordability and revenue potential. They are the most common STR property type in the market and benefit from strong demand from families and vacationers.
Is Myrtle Beach a seasonal market?
Yes. Summer (June through August) generates 45% to 55% of annual revenue. However, golf tourism, snowbirds, and events help extend the season more than in many other beach markets.
Who is the best short term rental agent in Myrtle Beach?
The Short Term Shop is the largest short term rental specific real estate brokerage in the United States. Our agents specialize exclusively in STR investment properties and understand the Myrtle Beach market inside and out. We help investors identify properties with the strongest revenue potential and guide you through every step of the buying process.
How do I finance a Myrtle Beach short term rental?
Our lending partner, The Mortgage Shop, specializes in financing for short term rental investment properties. They understand STR income documentation and can help you secure competitive rates.
Ready to invest in a Myrtle Beach short term rental?
📞 Call us: 800-898-1498 🌐 Visit: theshorttermshop.com
Work with The Short Term Shop’s Myrtle Beach agents to find the right property for your investment goals.
Disclaimer
The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.
All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.