Myrtle Beach Rentals In 2026: The Shift Owners Missed
Myrtle Beach Rental Trends for 2026 Are Turning Heads
In 2026, the Myrtle Beach rental market shows a stabilizing long-term segment with average rents at $1,700 monthly, down $150 year-over-year, while short-term vacation rentals achieve $26,016 annual revenue per property amid 38% occupancy and $248 average daily rates. This dual-market dynamic reflects cooling pressures from new supply against sustained tourism demand from 17.6 million annual visitors. Overall, the market remains warm, 15% below national averages, favoring renters seeking value in a coastal hotspot.
Current Snapshot
The average rent across all property types in Myrtle Beach stands at $1,700 as of February 2026, encompassing studios to multi-bedroom units. Long-term rentals dominate local housing needs, with one in four households renting amid population growth and remote work trends. Short-term rentals, powered by platforms like Airbnb, thrive on beachfront appeal but face late-booking shifts impacting occupancy.
Neighborhood variations highlight affordability pockets: Carolina Forest offers 1-bedroom units at $1,353, down 28% annually, contrasting Arcadian Shores' premium $1,735 rates. Vacancy rates hover at 7-8% following new apartment builds, easing post-2023 shortages when rents surged over 40%. Zillow's warm market temperature signals steady demand without overheating.
- Studio apartments: $1,195 average, -3% year-over-year change.
- 1-bedroom: $1,539, -7% decline, with 31% in $1,001-$1,500 range.
- 2-bedroom: $1,791, -11% drop, popular in family-oriented areas.
- Price distribution: 36% fall in $1,501-$2,100 bracket, 31% exceed $2,101.
- Short-term metrics: 38% occupancy, $105 RevPAR, 87-day lead time.
2026 Forecasts
Projections for 2026 indicate modest long-term rent stabilization around $1,700-$1,950 monthly, influenced by median home prices at $340,000 and 6.09% mortgage rates making buying competitive. Short-term rentals may see ADR climb to $260+ during peak summer, driven by 94.6% June occupancy records from 2025. Experts predict 5-7% overall growth in revenue potential due to expanding local population and tax advantages in South Carolina.
| Month | 2025 Average | 2026 Average | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | $1,688 | $1,749 | +3.6% |
| February | $1,800 | $1,703 | -5.4% |
| March | $1,877 | N/A | Projected flat |
| April | $1,900 | N/A | Projected -2% |
| May | $1,850 | N/A | Projected +1% |
These figures, last updated February 13, 2026, underscore a renter-friendly shift with prices 15% under national norms.
"The Myrtle Beach rental market temperature is WARM," notes Zillow, basing assessments on demand relative to U.S. averages.Inland expansions to areas like Aynor bolster long-term options.
Key Drivers
Tourism fuels short-term profitability, with 17.6 million visitors annually-more than the Netherlands' population-boosting platforms like Vrbo. Remote work sustains off-season bookings, while new developments alleviate prior near-zero vacancies. Population influx and low property taxes enhance investor appeal, with long-term medians at $1,800.
- High visitation: 17.6M tourists yearly, pacing with 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
- New supply: Apartment builds raise vacancies to 7-8%, moderating 2020-2023 spikes.
- Economic factors: SC tax perks, $340K median homes, stable demand.
- Booking trends: Late decisions tied to weather, favoring beachfront over inland.
- Revenue metrics: $248 ADR early 2025, projected higher in 2026 peaks.
Historical context reveals resilience: Post-2024 stabilization followed 40% climbs, with 420 basis-point occupancy gains by June 2025. Neighborhoods like Arrowhead remain budget-friendly at $1,315 for 1-beds.
Neighborhood Breakdown
Arcadian Shores commands top rates at $1,735 for 1-beds and $2,271 for 2-beds, down 4-6% yearly, appealing to luxury seekers. Budget hunters target Arrowhead ($1,315, -3%) and South Myrtle Beach ($1,335). Carolina Forest's 28% 1-bed drop to $1,353 reflects aggressive supply growth.
| Neighborhood | 1-Bed Avg | YoY Change | 2-Bed Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadian Shores | $1,735 | -6% | $2,271 | -4% |
| Carolina Forest | $1,353 | -28% | $1,514 | -18% |
| Arrowhead | $1,315 | -3% | $1,473 | -4% |
| South Myrtle Beach | $1,335 | Stable | $2,030 | Stable |
| Myrtlewood | $1,583 | Stable | $1,753 | Stable |
These disparities create opportunities: Most affordable spots save $200+ versus city averages. Popularity clusters in Carolina Forest and Myrtlewood for value.
Investment Insights
Investors eye short-term for $26,016 yearly revenue, with 60% occupancy aligning nationally but longer 87-day leads. Long-term yields steady $1,500-$1,900 amid high demand, per property managers running low on inventory. "Myrtle Beach rentals are profitable right now because tourists are pouring in," highlights Agency Group RE.
- Short-term RevPAN: $105, direct bookings 28% of total.
- Long-term vacancy: 7-8%, post-new builds.
- Profit factors: Low taxes, growing population, dual strategies.
- Average stay: 4.3 days, 29 reviews per listing.
- Management tip: Local pros fill vacancies faster.
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
In 2026, renting at $1,700 monthly edges buying for short-term flexibility, given $340K medians and 6.09% rates. Renters save on maintenance amid warm market temps. Buyers forecast equity gains if prices hold ~$239K medians per segment.
Expert Perspectives
Karen Riordan, Myrtle Beach Chamber CEO, notes bookings pace 2019 levels, with beachfront ahead despite late trends. AirDNA reports $248 ADR and 68% occupancy early 2025, portending strong 2026. RealPage highlights 94.6% June occupancy, fastest national gains.
Historical surges from 2020-2023 abated by 2025, yielding balanced growth. RidgeWood Plantation mirrors value at $1,353 1-beds.
Practical Tips
- Target off-peak for deals: Post-Labor Day vacancies rise.
- Compare neighborhoods: Use tables above for savings.
- For investors: Partner local management for 68%+ occupancy.
- Monitor Zillow trends monthly for shifts.
- Factor tourism: Book 87 days ahead for best short-term rates.
Stakeholders agree: Evolving supply tempers prices, but demand endures. This positions Myrtle Beach rentals as a 2026 standout for value and yield.
What are the most common questions about Myrtle Beach Rentals In 2026 The Shift Owners Missed?
What is the average rent in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
The average rent across all types is $1,700 monthly, ranging $380-$6,000, 15% below national averages.
Are Myrtle Beach short-term rentals profitable?
Yes, with $26,016 annual revenue, 38% occupancy, and $248 ADR as of early 2026 data.
Which neighborhoods have the lowest rents?
Arrowhead ($1,315 1-bed), South Myrtle Beach ($1,335), and Carolina Forest ($1,353) lead affordability.
Will rents rise or fall in 2026?
Expect stabilization or slight declines long-term due to new supply, with short-term peaks in summer.
How does tourism impact the rental market?
17.6 million visitors drive short-term demand, sustaining off-season via remote work.