Great Falls, SC vs Surfside Beach, SC

The cost of living difference between Great Falls, SC and Surfside Beach, SC is dramatic. Great Falls is 39.3% cheaper than Surfside Beach, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Great Falls has a cost index of 64 while Surfside Beach sits at 105, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Great Falls is $822/month compared to $1,274/month in Surfside Beach — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Great Falls is more affordable at $59,400 median vs $412,100.

Median household income in Great Falls is $30,475 compared to $74,202 in Surfside Beach (-58.9%). While Surfside Beach is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Great Falls spend roughly 32.4% of their income on rent, more than the 20.6% in Surfside Beach. The Surfside Beach ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Surfside Beach is notably warmer with an average of 64°F compared to 61°F in Great Falls. Surfside Beach receives more rainfall at 48.5" per year compared to 42.4" in Great Falls.