Myrtle Beach, SC, US
Golf capital with 60 miles of beaches, tourism, and affordable coastal living.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Myrtle Beach vs US Average
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
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).
| Category | Myrtle Beach | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 96.5 | 100 | -3.5% |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Myrtle Beach:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $46 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $5 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $306 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Myrtle Beach scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Myrtle Beach has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Myrtle Beach faces the following natural hazards:
Coastal city affected by hurricanes.
Coastal flooding.
Summer heat waves.
Tornado risk.
Charleston area with historical earthquake risk.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
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%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Myrtle Beach per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
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 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 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
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.