Cost of Living in Murrells Inlet, SC
Population 10,087 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 60, Murrells Inlet functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $356,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 75 miles northeast of Charleston, Murrells Inlet is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Charleston's $469,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Murrells Inlet
The median home value in Murrells Inlet is $355,800 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,702/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,438/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Murrells Inlet has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Murrells Inlet, SC?
Murrells Inlet has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.
What is average rent in Murrells Inlet, SC?
The median gross rent in Murrells Inlet is $1,702 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Murrells Inlet?
The median home value in Murrells Inlet is $355,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Murrells Inlet?
The median household income in Murrells Inlet is $75,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Murrells Inlet, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Murrells Inlet is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Murrells Inlet, SC affordable?
Murrells Inlet is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Murrells Inlet?
Murrells Inlet has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Murrells Inlet at a Glance
- Population
- 10,087
- Median Income
- $75,438
- Home Value
- $355,800
- Median Rent
- $1,702/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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