Cost of Living in North Myrtle Beach, SC

With a cost of living index of 99, North Myrtle Beach, SC is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% cheaper than the national average and 17% above the South Carolina state average of 82. North Myrtle Beach is a smaller community of 19,343 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in North Myrtle Beach's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,171 (11% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $371,900 (22% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.2x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in North Myrtle Beach is $72,111, which is 4% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to North Myrtle Beach. 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.