How much is rent in Oak Island?

In Oak Island, the average rent is + for a studio, $1,416+ for a 1-bedroom, $1,646+ for a 2-bedroom, and $2,196+ for a 3-bedroom.* *Based on base prices that don’t include fees

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Oak Island?

You can use the pet-friendly filter to find apartments that allow pets.

How much should I pay for rent in Oak Island?

The answer to this question depends on your household income and a couple of other factors. You can use our Rent Calculator to figure out how much you should spend on rent in Oak Island.

How can I find off-campus housing in Oak Island?

You can use the off-campus housing filters to find apartments near colleges located in or around Oak Island. Some of the colleges and universities in the area include University of North Carolina Wilmington , Cape Fear Community College , Coastal Carolina University , and Horry-Georgetown Technical College .

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Apartments for Rent in Oak Island, NC

17 rentals available

5.0
Hawthorne at Pine Forest
$1,367
1045 Woodsia Way, Oak Island, NC 28461
(910) 812-5261
Rent Savings
Top rated for Location
“This place is warm and friendly. The planned events are wonderful to get the community together”
25 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Putting green, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher + more
Elite Luxury
Coastal Living with Exceptional Amenities
Hawthorne at Pine Forest offers a luxurious coastal lifestyle with unmatched amenities. Residents love the resort-style saltwater swimming pool and well-equipped fitness center. The property is perfect for pet lovers with its leash-free dog park and pet spa. It's ideally located near Oak Island Pier and beautiful beaches, enhancing the coastal living experience.
Recently updated units
Verified listing
Verified
5721 E Oak Island Drive unit: 3
$1,600
5721 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 836-5705
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Parking, Walk in closets + more
Recently updated units
BEACH HOME NOW AVAILABLE-SHORT OR LONG-TERM
$2,800
215 Northeast 63rd Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 541-3641
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, All utils included + more
Recently updated units
1308 E Oak Island Drive
$2,300
1308 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 250-9677
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Walk in closets, and Ceiling fan
Recently updated units
Oak Island city guide
Everything you need to know
Let's go
Best market deals
These units are the best deal in town.
404 Norton Street 1 Bed
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 800 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
Hawthorne at Pine Forest 1064-203
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 859 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
5721 E Oak Island Drive unit: 3 3
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 700 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
117 NW 10th Street 2 Bed
2 Beds • 2 Baths
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
5118 Elton Drive 3 Bed
3 Beds • 4 Baths • 1396 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
5189 Minnesota Drive SE
$2,500
5189 Minnesota Drive Southeast, Oak Island, NC 28461
(910) 371-2434
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Walk in closets, Ceiling fan + more
Recently updated units
5118 Elton Drive
$2,150
5118 Elton Drive Southeast, Oak Island, NC 28461
(910) 363-4565
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Ceiling fan + more
Recently updated units
HOT TUB ANYONE? THIS OFF-SEASON RENTAL IS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME
$2,500
326 Northeast 47th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 541-3641
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, All utils included, Parking + more
Recently updated units
404 Norton Street
$1,299
404 Norton Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 836-5705
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Parking, Ceiling fan, Some paid utils, Furnished, and Oven
Recently updated units
201 NE 48th Street
$2,500
201 Northeast 48th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 836-5705
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, Ceiling fan, Bbq/grill + more
Recently updated units
1708 W Dolphin Drive
$3,500
1708 West Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
(704) 607-7477
1 unit available
4 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, All utils included, Parking, Walk in closets + more
Recently updated units
Luxury apartments
Top units for an elevated lifestyle.
1708 W Dolphin Drive 4 Bed
4 Beds • 3 Baths • 2400 sqft
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Available
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5007 Nester Drive 3 Bed
3 Beds • 3 Baths • 1701 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
2505 W Dolphin Drive 3 Bed
3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1500 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
928 E Dolphin Drive 3 Bed
3 Beds • 2 Baths
Total monthly rent
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Available
Now
BEACH HOME NOW AVAILABLE-SHORT OR LONG-TERM 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, $2800
3 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 1470 sqft
Total monthly rent
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Now
2505 W Dolphin Drive
$3,000
2505 West Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 612-7327
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Parking, Ceiling fan, Microwave, Internet access + more
Recently updated units
PERFECT "WORK FROM HOME" LOCATION FOR JAN-MAY of 2026
$2,300
107 Northeast 30th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 541-3641
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, All utils included, Fire pit + more
Seaside Retreat
Charming coastal getaway surrounded by lush woodlands.
Shoal Sisters offers a cozy beach cottage nestled in the serene woodlands of Oak Island. This charming accommodation is perfect for enjoying a tranquil vacation while being close to both the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. Guests praise the open living space and the lush, private backyard as ideal settings for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
Recently updated units
PREMIERE FURNISHED OFF-SEASON SHORT TERM RENTAL!
$2,700
226 Northeast 46th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 541-3641
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, All utils included, Walk in closets + more
Beach Proximity
Perfect beach home for family gatherings.
Enjoy being just a short stroll away from the beautiful Oak Island beach with this fantastic rental. Its spacious great room and modern kitchen make it a perfect place for family gatherings. With luxurious features like custom tile showers and stunning hardwood floors, this home ensures a stylish and comfortable stay.
Recently updated units
OFF-SEASON MONTHLY RENTAL - ESCAPE THE WINTER MONTHS!!!
$2,500
127 Northeast 34th Street, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 541-3641
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Putting green, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, All utils included + more
Recently updated units
5007 Nester Drive
$3,100
5007 Nester Drive, Oak Island, NC 28461
(888) 584-9431
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Parking, Pool, Ceiling fan, Fireplace + more
Recently updated units
928 E Dolphin Drive
$2,800
928 East Dolphin Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
(910) 250-8765
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, and Furnished
Recently updated units

Find an apartment for rent in Oak Island, NC

Searching for an apartment for rent in Oak Island, NC? Look no further! Apartment List will help you find a perfect apartment near you. There are 17 available rental units listed on Apartment List in Oak Island. Click on listings to see photos, floorplans, amenities, prices and availability, and much more!

The average rent in Oak Island is Ask for a studio, $1,416 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $1,646 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you are looking for a deal, keep an eye out for a red pulsing icon that indicates rent specials.

Tired of browsing? Take our personalized quiz. You’ll answer a couple of simple questions and we’ll put together a list of Oak Island apartments that are best for you. We’ll also factor in your commute, budget, and preferred amenities. Looking for a pet-friendly rental, or an apartment with in-unit washer and dryer? No problem, we’ll provide you with apartments that match that criteria.

You can trust Apartment List to help you find your next Oak Island, NC apartment rental! After all, everyone deserves a home they love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Both the town and island bearing the name Oak Island have survived multiple hurricanes only to be rebuilt stronger than before. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 did the most damage, destroying all but five buildings on the island. Severe damage was also caused by hurricanes Diane in 1984, Bertha and Fran in 1996, and Floyd in 1999. But don't fret! It's been 15 years since the last one, so residents are happy and scrappy in Oak Island as ever.

There's more than one Oak Island off the coast of North Carolina near the South Carolina state line. There's the barrier island in Brunswick County, and then there's the quaint seaside community known as Oak Island, which is partially located on the island, and partially on the mainland. Confusing? Don't worry, any resident of one of the communities--Oak Island or Caswell Beach--on the island will be happy to explain it to you. Or give you directions. Or tell you the best place to get fresh seafood. Or tell you why living there is miles better than living in the"big cities" of Wilmington, North Carolina, or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You might not even have to ask. Locals are so friendly, they'll probably just start offering up information as soon as you sit down at the diner, coffee shop or while strolling on the beach. The town of Oak Island was formed by joining the two communities of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach in 1999. While the year-round population is a cozy 6,783 according to the 2010 census, the summer population typically balloons to about 50,000. Not bad for a stretch of beach 10 miles long and about a mile wide.

Moving to Oak Island

It's the largest beach community in North Carolina. Oak Island is considered part of the Myrtle Beach, SC metropolitan area, although you're still in North Carolina. From the mainland, there are only two ways to reach Oak Island via car. One bridge is located on the western side of the island in the center of the town of Oak Island, and one is on the eastern side of the island that will bring you in where the town borders Caswell Beach. When moving, especially if your move coincides with the tourist season--which is April through October, keep this in mind, as it could take a bit longer to cross either bridge if it's crowded with vacationers trying to reach the beach.

Apartment Communities

A true apartment complex doesn't really exist here. Instead, owners rent out their vacation condos or homes on a monthly or seasonal basis. Longer yearly leases can be found, but aren't nearly as common. The good thing about this system is that it makes finding furnished apartments in Oak Island relatively easy. Like elsewhere on the island, homes are built on stilts here and all homes, even older ones, have been built or retrofitted to withstand high winds and rain. Finding a home for rent should be easier.

Neighborhoods in Oak Island

At just 10 miles long, the community of Oak Island takes up most of the island and some of the mainland. Crossing the bridge at the northern end of the island, everything from the bridge south is considered the town of Oak Island (along with the developed area just before crossing this bridge). The town is usually divided up by the different terrain each area offers.

Mainland Oak Island: It shouldn't be surprising that the town is spread between the mainland and the island, since there wasn't even an island until the Intracoastal Waterway was created. The mainland part of the town was the first developed area with a marina, the Cape Fear Regional Jetport and Dosher Medical Plaza. Overlooking where Dutchman Creek and the waterway meet are two popular restaurants--Joseph's Italian Bistro, and the Dead End Saloon and Fish Factory. Dutchman Creek Park is a great place for a picnic, while Bill Smith Park has ball fields and a disc golf course.

Wooded Oak Island: Covering the town lengthwise from the ICW to Oak Island Drive, the wooded section of town does indeed have plenty of lush trees and scenic green areas throughout. In addition to rental homes in this area, the wooded section close to the bridge is home to the Oak Island Medical Center, Chaser's and Rumors bars, and Sunset Slush Italian Ice. The further you head west, the more residential the neighborhood becomes.

Beachside Oak Island: Covering the length of the town from Oak Island Dr. south to the beach is the beachside neighborhood. Plenty of public beach access will get you to the beach quickly, even if your rental isn't beachfront. Fish off of Ocean Crest Pier, eat at East Beach Diner, or shop at the Beach Pantry after your day at the beach. The Fish House Restaurant on the western tip of the island has great views of both the ocean and ICW.

Top Apartment Complexes

The Preserve: A rental condo complex on the mainland, which has one, two and three bedroom floor plans. The 2 bedroom apartment for rent comes with a separate office area, which is great for someone who works from home. While most of the residents at The Preserve own their condos, some do rent them out. You'll be close to the local airport, marina and medical plaza here on the mainland.

Dutchman Creek Villas: In the wooded Oak Island neighborhood are two bedroom apartments located along the Intracoastal Waterway. With water views, boat slips, two pools and a clubhouse, you might not mind the roughly 10-block walk to the beach.

Ocean Walk Condominiums: Closer to the beach, just south of Oak Island Drive these condos aren't oceanfront, but are within walking distance as their name suggests. Again, most of these are owned condos, but some can be rented out on a yearly basis.

Living in Oak Island

With two piers, 65 public beach accesses, two marinas, recreational trails and plenty of parks, Oak Island certainly doesn't lack recreational options! The Beach Cabana on 46th Street is a great public beach access, as it has restrooms and an outdoor shower. Seasoned surfers will be disappointed in the waves here, which tend to stay either nonexistent or hardly moving. Those who enjoy swimming in the ocean, and especially young children just getting acclimated to the open waters, will love how inviting and calm the warm Atlantic Ocean is. Jump in a canoe or kayak and explore Dutchman Creek, or head to the eastern point of the island to tour the Oak Island Lighthouse. Its distinctive black, gray and white striped tower can't be missed.

Apartments for Rent in Oak Island, NC

Hawthorne at Pine Forest

5721 E Oak Island Drive unit: 3

BEACH HOME NOW AVAILABLE-SHORT OR LONG-TERM

1308 E Oak Island Drive

5189 Minnesota Drive SE

5118 Elton Drive

HOT TUB ANYONE? THIS OFF-SEASON RENTAL IS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME

404 Norton Street

201 NE 48th Street

1708 W Dolphin Drive

2505 W Dolphin Drive

PERFECT "WORK FROM HOME" LOCATION FOR JAN-MAY of 2026

PREMIERE FURNISHED OFF-SEASON SHORT TERM RENTAL!

OFF-SEASON MONTHLY RENTAL - ESCAPE THE WINTER MONTHS!!!

5007 Nester Drive

928 E Dolphin Drive

More Rental Options

Find an apartment for rent in Oak Island, NC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Living in Oak Island, NC

Oak Island Apartment Renter's Guide

Oak Island Apartment Renter's Guide