Tybee Island, Georgia Short-Term Rental Market
Tybee Island bans new STR certificates in R-1, R-1-B and R-2 zones; area ADR $293, 51.2% occupancy in August 2026.
Quick Answer: Tybee Island, Georgia is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Savannah market area is 59%. average monthly revenue in the Savannah market area is $4,713. average daily rate in the Savannah market area is $293. the top operator in the Savannah market area is Lucky Savannah with 435 listings. market score is 73/100 (grade B).
Market data reflects the Savannah regional market, which includes Tybee Island. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Tybee Island.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
Tybee Island is a barrier-island beach town about 18 miles east of Savannah, with a population of 3,123 and about 1.9 million visitors a year. The performance data below comes from a series shared by Savannah and Tybee Island, so every figure describes the Savannah and Tybee Island area STR market, not Tybee Island alone.
In August 2026, the Savannah and Tybee Island area STR market averaged a $293 average daily rate (ADR), 51.2% occupancy and $4,498 in monthly revenue per listing. Occupancy was down 4.6% from August 2025, ADR was up 2.8% and revenue was down 4.6%.
Over the longer run, the area has moved toward higher rates and lower occupancy. Annual average occupancy peaked at 63.07% in 2021 and was 58.65% in 2025. ADR rose from $263 in 2021 to $295 in 2025. Average monthly revenue was $4,949 in 2025, close to $4,988 in 2024. Through the first eight months of 2026, the averages are 61.24% occupancy, $311 ADR and $5,411 monthly revenue. A partial year leans on the strong spring and summer months, so do not compare it directly with full years.
Tybee Island requires a Short-Term Rental Certificate, and a 2024 ordinance bars new certificates in the R-1, R-1-B and R-2 residential zones. Commercial and beach-area zones remain open to STRs.
Listing counts, bedroom mix, channel mix and listing-type mix are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Tybee Island, so this profile omits them.
Local demand drivers include the Tybee Island Light Station, five public beaches, Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Marine Science Center. Tourist visitation grew from about 1.0 million in 2015 to 1.76 million by 2023, according to the area profile.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 41% |
| Feb | 57% |
| Mar | 66% |
| Apr | 62% |
| May | 62% |
| Jun | 71% |
| Jul | 69% |
| Aug | 53% |
| Sep | 54% |
| Oct | 57% |
| Nov | 49% |
| Dec | 47% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Tybee Island are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Savannah market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Savannah market as a whole, which includes Tybee Island, so these counts are not Tybee Island-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucky Savannah | 435 | 31,408 | ★ 4.70 |
| 2 | Southern Belle Vacation Rentals | 407 | 28,205 | ★ 4.70 |
| 3 | Tybee Vacation Rentals by Vtrips | 294 | 12,417 | ★ 4.54 |
| 4 | Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals | 167 | 7,539 | ★ 4.61 |
| 5 | South Key Management Co | 126 | 16,978 | ★ 4.91 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Tybee Island?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Tybee Island are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 31.3% |
| vrbo | 6.4% |
| both | 62.3% |
Home Value Trends (Tybee Island)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Tybee Island are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Tybee Island — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Tybee Island allows short-term rentals but requires an annual Short-Term Rental (STR) Certificate for any stay under 30 consecutive days. The certificate runs January 1 to December 31 and renews between January 1 and March 31. The city extended the 2026 deadline to May 31. The base fee is $200 a year, plus a per-person occupancy fee of $10 for 1 to 5 occupants, $15 for 6 to 10 and $20 for more than 10. An Occupational Tax Certificate costs another $135 where required.
Operators remit a 7% local hotel/motel tax to the city Finance Department by the 20th of each following month. Monthly returns are due even when no tax is owed.
The June 2024 ordinance bans new certificates in the R-1, R-1-B and R-2 residential zones. Existing certificates in those zones can continue, but they cannot transfer to a new owner. Commercial and beach-area zones remain open. Owner occupancy and primary residence are not required, and no annual night cap is published.
Enforcement is rated strict. The city monitors booking platforms, with reported fines from $500 to $5,000 and possible suspension or revocation for repeat violations. In January 2026, property owners filed suit over the rules. In May 2026, the city proposed a four-zone cap system, with up to 60% of homes in the eastern beach and southern commercial zones and 30% in the western and northern residential zones. The proposal is pending planning commission review. Check current status with the city before you buy.
Market Comparison
The US STR median occupancy is about 55% and the median ADR is about $220. In August 2026, the Savannah and Tybee Island area STR market had 51.16% occupancy, which is 3.8 points below that benchmark. Its ADR of $293 is about 33% above it.
On an annual basis the area does better on occupancy. The 2025 average was 58.65% occupancy and a $295 ADR, so the area beat the 55% benchmark for the full year and priced well above $220. The weak months, from November to February, pull occupancy below the national figure.
Rate drives the result more than occupancy. The 2025 monthly revenue of $4,949 per listing came from a nightly rate above the national median. June and July average 70.52% and 68.95% occupancy, both well above 55%, while January averages 40.81%.
Top property manager data is tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Tybee Island, so this profile omits it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tybee Island, Georgia
Can you start a new short-term rental in Tybee Island?
How much does a Tybee Island STR certificate cost?
What is the average Airbnb nightly rate in the Tybee Island area?
What is the occupancy rate for Tybee Island short-term rentals?
What is the best month for Tybee Island STR revenue?
What occupancy tax do Tybee Island STR operators pay?
How much does a home cost in Tybee Island?
Analyze Tybee Island Rentals
Use our free calculator to estimate Airbnb revenue for any property in Tybee Island.
Free Tybee Island STR Calculator →
