Skyline of Myrtle Beach
Cost of Living: 96.5 37,100

Myrtle Beach, SC, US

Golf capital with 60 miles of beaches, tourism, and affordable coastal living.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 96.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 88.5

Affordable

Median Income $42,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Myrtle Beach vs US Average

Cost of Living
Myrtle Beach: 96.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Myrtle Beach: 88.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Myrtle Beach: 6.5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.5%
  • Sales Tax: 9.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $42,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 37,100

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 218/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $250,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1200/mo

Cost of Living

Myrtle Beach's cost of living index is 96.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryMyrtle BeachNational AverageDifference
Overall96.5100-3.5%
Housing88.5100-11.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$250,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$166

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Myrtle Beach:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$211Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$65Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$30Private service
Total Utilities$466Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Myrtle Beach

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,440/mo.

Myrtle Beach Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,320/mo.

East Myrtle Beach

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,080/mo.

West Myrtle Beach

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Remote Work Score

Myrtle Beach scores 121/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 218 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Myrtle Beach has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April73°F53°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F56°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.5%
  • Sales Tax: 9%
  • Property Tax: ~0.48% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC, US?

The cost of living index in Myrtle Beach is 96.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Myrtle Beach?

The median home price in Myrtle Beach is $250,000. The housing index is 88.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Myrtle Beach is approximately $1200/mo.

Does Myrtle Beach, SC have income tax?

Myrtle Beach is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 6.5%.

What is the climate like in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach enjoys approximately 218 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,88°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.38°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.