Market Comparison
Myrtle Beach vs Hilton Head: South Carolina STR Investment 2026
Volume-driven beach town vs luxury island resort. Compare South Carolina's coastal STR markets.
Quick Verdict
Myrtle Beach wins for: lower entry costs, family tourism, golf destination
Hilton Head wins for: luxury market, higher ADR, upscale demographic
Choose Myrtle Beach for affordable entry and high-volume family tourism. Choose Hilton Head for luxury positioning and premium nightly rates.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Myrtle Beach | Hilton Head |
|---|---|---|
| Average Nightly Rate | $180 | $325 |
| Average Occupancy Rate | 58% | 60% |
| Average Annual Revenue | $38,000+ | $71,000+ |
| Median Property Price | $350,000 | $700,000 |
| Property Type | Condos, Beach Houses | Villas, Resort Properties |
| Primary Demand | Families, Golf Groups, Snowbirds | Affluent Families, Golfers, Retirees |
| Regulation Difficulty | Low | Moderate (HOA rules) |
| Seasonality | High (summer peak) | Moderate (golf extends season) |
Pros & Cons
Myrtle Beach
Pros
- Half the property price of Hilton Head
- 100+ golf courses attract groups
- Entertainment strip drives tourism
- Snowbird demand in winter months
Cons
- Lower nightly rates limit revenue
- Highly seasonal with summer peak
Hilton Head
Pros
- Premium rates at $325/night average
- World-class golf courses (Harbour Town)
- Affluent, respectful guests
- Extended season with golf tourism
Cons
- $700K median price - high barrier to entry
- Strict HOA and plantation rules
Best For
Maximum Revenue
Hilton Head$71K+ annual revenue potential.
Lower Entry Cost
Myrtle Beach$350K lower median price.
Premium Nightly Rates
Hilton Head$325/night average rate.
Golf Groups
Hilton HeadWorld-renowned golf destination.
Budget Families
Myrtle BeachAffordable beach vacation hub.
First-Time Investors
Myrtle BeachAccessible entry point to STR.
Ready to Invest on South Carolina's Coast?
Get matched with STR specialists in Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head.