Cost of Living in Surfside Beach, SC

With a cost of living index of 105, Surfside Beach, SC is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 5% more expensive than the national average and 23% above the South Carolina state average of 82. Surfside Beach is a small community of 4,217 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Surfside Beach's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,274 (3% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $412,100 (35% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Surfside Beach is $74,202, which is 1% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Surfside 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.