Myrtle Beach, SC vs Sumter, SC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sumter is 22.9% cheaper than Myrtle Beach. With a cost index of 78 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sumter to Myrtle Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Myrtle Beach is $1,132/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumter is more affordable at $188,400 median vs $347,700.

Median household income in Myrtle Beach is $53,679 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (+1.1%). Myrtle Beach does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Myrtle Beach spend roughly 25.3% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64°F vs 65.5°F). Myrtle Beach receives more rainfall at 48.5" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.