The Myrtle Beach area — known as the Grand Strand — stretches along 60 miles of South Carolina coastline and is one of the most visited beach destinations on the East Coast. With over 20 million visitors annually, more than 100 golf courses, and a massive family entertainment infrastructure, Myrtle Beach generates consistent, high-volume tourism demand that makes it a proven short term rental investment market.

The Short Term Shop has helped more investors buy vacation rentals than any other brokerage. This guide covers what you need to know about investing in Myrtle Beach in 2026.

Myrtle Beach Short Term Rental Market Overview

The Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand market has approximately 398 active short term rental listings tracked in the core investment areas. The market includes a mix of oceanfront condo towers, beach houses, and golf community properties.

Market composition by bedroom count:

• 1 Bedroom: ~262 listings (66%) — largest segment by far
• 3 Bedroom: ~108 listings (27%)
• 5 Bedroom: ~28 listings (7%)

The Myrtle Beach market is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom condos in oceanfront towers. These are the most accessible entry point and generate steady income from couples, small families, and golf groups. Larger beach houses (4+ bedrooms) are less common but generate significantly higher revenue per property.

How Much Do Myrtle Beach Short Term Rentals Make?

Revenue figures are market-wide estimates based on PriceLabs market analytics. Individual properties vary significantly. These are not projections for any specific property.

Myrtle Beach has relatively consistent occupancy across bedroom counts (59-65%), which means the revenue difference between small and large properties is driven primarily by ADR. Oceanfront units with updated interiors command significant premiums over second-row or inland properties.

What drives revenue higher:

• Oceanfront location with direct beach views
• Higher floor units in condo towers
• Updated, modern interiors
• Resort-style amenities (pools, lazy rivers, water features)
• Proximity to popular areas (Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing)
• Golf-friendly marketing for shoulder seasons

What drives revenue lower:

• Inland properties without ocean views
• Dated interiors in older towers
• Buildings with deferred maintenance or poor reviews
• Limited amenities
• Static pricing that misses peak-week premiums

Where to Buy: Top Myrtle Beach Areas for Investors

North Myrtle Beach / Cherry Grove

Quieter, more upscale feel than central Myrtle Beach. Popular with families and retirees. Newer condo towers and beach houses.

• Best for: Higher-end condos and beach houses, family travelers
• Relative price tier: Moderate to higher

Central Myrtle Beach

The heart of the action — close to Broadway at the Beach, SkyWheel, boardwalk, and family entertainment. Highest concentration of condo towers.

• Best for: 1–2 bedroom condos, maximum walkability, highest occupancy potential
• Relative price tier: Moderate

Surfside Beach / Garden City

South of Myrtle Beach with a quieter, family-oriented atmosphere. “The Family Beach” branding.

• Best for: Family-focused rentals, slightly lower entry prices
• Relative price tier: Lower to moderate

Pawleys Island / Litchfield Beach

The southern end of the Grand Strand. More exclusive, laid-back feel. Popular with repeat visitors.

• Best for: Premium beach houses, higher ADR, repeat guests
• Relative price tier: Higher

Myrtle Beach Short Term Rental Regulations

State of South Carolina

• South Carolina has state income tax (rates vary by bracket)
• State accommodations tax (2%) applies to all STR income
• Operators must collect state and local sales tax

Horry County / City of Myrtle Beach

• Local hospitality tax and tourism development fee apply [VERIFY: current combined rate]
• STR licensing/registration required 
• The area has a well-established regulatory framework given its tourism economy
• Building and fire safety codes apply to rental properties

Condo/HOA Rules

As with other beach condo markets, individual building rules matter most. Minimum stays, rental caps, and guest policies vary by building and can significantly impact revenue.

How to Finance a Short Term Rental in Myrtle Beach

Conventional Loans

• 15–25% down for investment property
• Myrtle Beach’s accessible price points keep down payments manageable
• Verify condo warrantability for conventional financing

DSCR Loans

• Qualify on rental income, 20–25% down
• More flexible on condo building requirements

Second Home Loans

• As little as 10% down with personal use
• Popular for Myrtle Beach given vacation appeal

What Does It Cost to Own a Myrtle Beach Short Term Rental?

Property Management

Full-service management typically runs 20–35% of gross revenue. Myrtle Beach has one of the most established vacation rental management industries on the East Coast.

HOA / Condo Fees

Insurance

South Carolina coastal insurance is a meaningful expense. 

Property Taxes

Maintenance Reserve

Budget at least 5–10% of gross revenue. Coastal properties require ongoing attention.

Seasonality in Myrtle Beach

Spring (March–May): Building demand. Spring break weeks are strong. Golf season ramps up, adding a demand layer beyond beach tourism.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. Families dominate. Back-to-back weekly bookings. This is where most annual revenue is generated.

Fall (September–November): Shoulder season. Golf tourism provides a unique demand buffer that many beach markets don’t have. Warm weather extends through October.

Winter (December–February): Low season. Snowbird/monthly rental strategies help. Golf stays available year-round and provides some winter demand.

Key advantage over other beach markets: Myrtle Beach’s 100+ golf courses create a secondary demand source that extends the booking season beyond pure beach tourism. Golf groups book in spring and fall when beach families don’t.

Why Myrtle Beach Works for Short Term Rental Investors

• 20+ million annual visitors to the Grand Strand
• 60 miles of beaches with diverse micro-markets to choose from
• Accessible entry prices — among the most affordable beach markets on the East Coast
• Drive-to market from Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Atlanta, and the DC/Virginia corridor
• Dual demand sources — beach tourism AND golf tourism extend the booking season
• Established vacation rental infrastructure with decades of management industry experience
• Multiple property types and price points across the Grand Strand

Common Mistakes When Buying in Myrtle Beach

1. Not verifying condo building rental policies. Minimum stays and caps vary dramatically between buildings.
2. Ignoring the golf tourism angle. Properties marketed to golf groups can significantly outperform during shoulder seasons.
3. Underestimating competition in the 1-bedroom condo segment. With 262+ listings, differentiation matters. Updated interiors and strong photography are essential.
4. Buying in buildings with deferred maintenance. Check condo financials, reserve funds, and any upcoming special assessments.
5. Not accounting for South Carolina income tax. Unlike Florida or Tennessee, South Carolina taxes rental income. Factor this into your return calculations.