There are more than a few reasons people are drawn to Myrtle Beach. For some, it’s the non-stop sunshine and everyday beach life; for others, the impressive number of golf courses.

Don’t let this city’s reputation as a vacation destination and retirement spot fool you, though. There are plenty of reasons why young professionals and families are drawn to the area, too—a prime one being the low cost of living.

Breaking Down the Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach

There are a few things that keep the cost of living low in Myrtle Beach. Here are a few noteworthy ones to consider.

Cost of Housing

On an index of 100 where 100 represents the average cost of housing in the US, housing in Myrtle Beach sits at around 65—which is significantly cheaper than other cities in the US (Consider Austin, with housing costs on the index sitting at around 160 or LA where housing costs are at almost 300. Even Florida sits at around 103.).

For a city with such easy access to beaches, where warm weather abounds—the cost of housing in Myrtle Beach is hard to beat. You can find new construction homes in Myrtle beach starting in the upper $200s.

Grocery & Health Costs

The cost of groceries and healthcare is about average in Myrtle Beach. You might find that some things at the grocery store are slightly more expensive than they would be in the rest of South Carolina, but overall it shouldn’t make too much of an impact on your weekly budget.

It’s worth noting that you might find a higher quality of healthcare elsewhere, though, and for possibly less money (Oddly, the cost of healthcare in LA sits at around an 89 compared to 99 in Myrtle Beach. And LA is known for having some of the most advanced healthcare in the world.).

Transportation

Another factor that brings down the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is transportation, which sits at around 79 on the index. Transportation costs include gas prices, cost of car insurance, car maintenance, and mass transit fees. It’s important to note that Myrtle Beach isn’t considered a walkable city. While you can get to a few things on bike, for the most part, you’ll want to plan on using a car.

Including all of the numbers above, the overall cost of living in Myrtle Beach is at around 85 on the index. That’s incredibly affordable if you’re looking for a lifestyle that includes easy access to the beach. Other factors that make Myrtle Beach a contender are the many golf courses, entertainment options, and a relatively friendly assortment of restaurants that are ideal for young families.

Curious about the rest of South Carolina? The cost of living in the rest of South Carolina is also pretty affordable, sitting around 89 on the index. Here are some of the best cities in South Carolina to consider. Or if you’re a first-time home buyer, you might consider moving to these cities instead.

Explore all of your options when deciding to buy a home in a new city. There are plenty of worthwhile cities in the US to consider. You might start with the cheapest cities in the US, but perhaps move on from there and think about which cities offer features that will improve your personal quality of life.

Looking for more Foundation tips and learning? Return Home here.

Published 04.07.22