Cost of Living in North Myrtle Beach, SC
Population 19,343 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 61, North Myrtle Beach functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $372,000 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. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, North Myrtle Beach is about 55 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 North Myrtle Beach
The median home value in North Myrtle Beach is $371,900 — 22% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,171/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,111/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above 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, North Myrtle Beach has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% 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 North Myrtle Beach, SC?
North Myrtle Beach has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
The median gross rent in North Myrtle Beach is $1,171 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in North Myrtle Beach?
The median home value in North Myrtle Beach is $371,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in North Myrtle Beach?
The median household income in North Myrtle Beach is $72,111 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Myrtle Beach, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Myrtle Beach is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is North Myrtle Beach, SC affordable?
North Myrtle Beach is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in North Myrtle Beach?
North 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.
North Myrtle Beach at a Glance
- Population
- 19,343
- Median Income
- $72,111
- Home Value
- $371,900
- Median Rent
- $1,171/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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South Carolina Rankings
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