How much does VRBO charge hosts?

VRBO uses a host-only fee model, charging hosts between 3% and 5% of the booking subtotal. This is significantly lower than Airbnb's host-only fee (14-16%) but means guests see a higher upfront price since there's no separate guest service fee.

Is VRBO more profitable than Airbnb?

VRBO can be more profitable due to lower host fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's 14-16% host-only or 3% split fee). However, profitability depends on your market—VRBO tends to perform better for larger vacation homes and family-oriented properties, while Airbnb has broader reach in urban markets.

How do I calculate ROI on a VRBO rental?

Calculate VRBO ROI by dividing your annual net operating income by your total cash invested. Use this calculator to input your purchase price, expected nightly rate, occupancy, and expenses. Factor in VRBO's 3-5% host fee rather than Airbnb's fee structure for accurate projections.

What's the difference between VRBO and Airbnb fees?

VRBO charges hosts 3-5% with no guest service fee (host-only model). Airbnb offers two models: split-fee (3% host, ~14% guest) or host-only (14-16% host). VRBO's lower fees can mean higher net revenue, but Airbnb's split-fee model shows guests a lower booking price.

Should I list on VRBO or Airbnb?

Most successful hosts list on both platforms. VRBO attracts families and groups booking larger vacation homes for longer stays. Airbnb has broader reach and performs well for urban rentals and unique properties. Listing on both maximizes occupancy and lets you compare which platform performs better for your specific property.

Is VRBO profitable in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, VRBO can be profitable in Myrtle Beach with average nightly rates around $175 and 50% occupancy. VRBO's lower host fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's 14-16%) mean you keep more of each booking.

How much can I make on VRBO in Myrtle Beach?

Based on Myrtle Beach market averages, a typical VRBO property could gross approximately $31,938 annually at 50% occupancy and $175/night before expenses.

Is VRBO or Airbnb better in Myrtle Beach?

Both platforms work well in Myrtle Beach. VRBO attracts families booking longer stays with lower fees (3-5%). Airbnb has broader reach. Many hosts list on both to maximize occupancy.

What's the average nightly rate on VRBO in Myrtle Beach?

The average nightly rate in Myrtle Beach is approximately $175. VRBO guests often book longer 5-7 night stays, allowing for weekly discounts while maintaining strong revenue.

VRBO Calculator for Myrtle Beach, SC | Analyze VRBO Investments

$375,000

Avg. Purchase Price

$175

Avg. Nightly Rate

50%

Avg. Occupancy

beach

Market Type

Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand offers 60 miles of beaches at affordable prices. Golf tourism and family vacations drive seasonal demand. VRBO is particularly strong in Myrtle Beach for family vacation rentals and longer stays. This calculator uses VRBO's typical 5% host fee structure.

VRBO's Lower Host Fees

VRBO charges hosts 3-5% per booking (vs. Airbnb's 14-16% host-only fee). This calculator uses 5% platform fee. On a $1,500 booking, you'd pay $75 to VRBO vs. potentially $225+ to Airbnb.

Property Details

Property Name (optional)

Purchase Price

Total property acquisition cost

Down Payment

Interest Rate

Loan Term

years

Nightly Rate

Average rate per night

Occupancy Rate

Expected annual occupancy

Not sure what to enter? Get market data from AirDNA Maximize your nightly rate with PriceLabs dynamic pricing

Cleaning Fee

Per turnover

Avg Stay Length

nights

Platform Fees

Airbnb/VRBO service fee (typically 3%)

Property Tax

Annual

Insurance

Annual

Utilities

Monthly average

HOA Fees

Monthly

Maintenance Reserve

% of revenue

Property Management

% of revenue (0 if self-managing)

Monthly Cash Flow

-$252

-$3,023 / year after all expenses

Proceed with Caution

Break-even at 56% occupancy

Cash-on-Cash

-2.9%↓

Return on your cash invested

Cap Rate

5.2%–

NOI / Purchase price

Break-Even

56%–

Minimum occupancy needed

Turnovers/Year

183 nights occupied

Financial Summary

Annual Gross Revenue$36,933

Annual Expenses

Platform Fees$1,847

Property Tax$4,313

Insurance$1,500

Utilities$3,000

Maintenance Reserve$1,847

Cleaning Costs$4,995

Total Expenses$17,501

Net Operating Income$19,431

Annual Mortgage-$22,454

Annual Cash Flow-$3,023

Your Investment

Down Payment$93,750

Est. Closing Costs (3%)$11,250

Total Cash Needed$105,000

Loan Amount$281,250

Monthly Mortgage (P&I)$1,871

Why VRBO Works in Myrtle Beach

Family-Focused Travelers

VRBO attracts families and groups who book whole homes for vacations. Myrtle Beach's beach market appeals to this demographic.

Longer Stays = Lower Turnover

VRBO guests typically book 5-7 night stays vs. 3-4 on Airbnb. Fewer turnovers mean lower cleaning costs and less operational work.

Lower Platform Fees

VRBO's 3-5% host fee is significantly lower than Airbnb's host-only model (14-16%), meaning more revenue stays with you.

Myrtle Beach Market Highlights

1Affordable beach vacation destination
2100+ golf courses attract year-round golfers
360 miles of beach creates diverse property options
4Drive-to market from much of the East Coast

Seasonality in Myrtle Beach

Peak Memorial Day through Labor Day. Golf brings spring and fall demand. Winter is very slow.

Compare with Airbnb

See how this property might perform on Airbnb instead

Myrtle Beach STR Regulations

Myrtle Beach has STR registration requirements. Check specific zone regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both platforms can work well in Myrtle Beach. VRBO tends to attract families and groups booking longer vacations, which is ideal for this vacation-focused market. VRBO's lower fees (3-5% vs Airbnb's higher rates) can mean better net revenue. Many Myrtle Beach hosts list on both platforms to maximize occupancy. Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand offers 60 miles of beaches at affordable prices. Golf tourism and family vacations drive seasonal demand.

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Market averages are estimates for educational purposes only. See full disclaimer