Cost of Living in Garden City, SC

With a cost of living index of 91, Garden City, SC is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 9% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the South Carolina state average of 82. Garden City is a smaller community of 10,820 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Garden City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,382 (5% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $194,100 (36% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.9x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Garden City is $50,027, which is 33% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 33% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Garden City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 64°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches spread over roughly 122 days.

Everyday prices in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.