Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach, SC
Population 37,214 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Myrtle Beach lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $348,000 — 14% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in South Carolina.
Geographically, Myrtle Beach is about 65 miles southwest of Wilmington, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Wilmington's $350,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach
The median home value in Myrtle Beach is $347,700 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,132/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,679/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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, Myrtle Beach has a cost of living index of 103 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% 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 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach has a cost index of 103 (100 = national average). It is 3% above the national average.
What is average rent in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The median gross rent in Myrtle Beach is $1,132 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Myrtle Beach?
The median home value in Myrtle Beach is $347,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Myrtle Beach?
The median household income in Myrtle Beach is $53,679 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Myrtle Beach is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Myrtle Beach, SC affordable?
Myrtle Beach is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 103 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach 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.
Myrtle Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 37,214
- Median Income
- $53,679
- Home Value
- $347,700
- Median Rent
- $1,132/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs