Myrtle Beach, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Myrtle Beach, SC Utility & Living Guide

Myrtle Beach is a resort city in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. It is located in the center of a long and continuous 60-mile (97 km) stretch of beach known as the "Grand Strand” in the northeastern part of the state, on the East Coast of the United States. Its year-round population was

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$983/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$287,900
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Myrtle Beach
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Santee Cooper
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Horry County Solid Waste Authority
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$983/mo
2 Bedrooms$1093/mo
3 Bedrooms$1366/mo
Median Home Price$287,900
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Myrtle Beach housing market is competitive, with steady demand for vacation homes and rentals. Prices have risen due to coastal popularity and limited inventory.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in tourism, real estate, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Tourism congestion, affordable housing, hurricane preparedness
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars, but some areas have sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
  • 🎯
    Broadway at the Beach
  • 🎯
    Ripley's Aquarium

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Carolina Forest and Surfside Beach are popular for families due to good schools and quieter neighborhoods. The Market Common area offers walkable amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Myrtle Beach based on your household profile.

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📊 Myrtle Beach — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$50,558
🏠 Homeownership Rate
60.6%
🔑 Renter Rate
39.4%
📉 Poverty Rate
15.3%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.2%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage spikes electric bills, while winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures. Water usage may increase in summer for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Horry County millage rate ~0.45%, no local surtaxes specific to Myrtle Beach.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Sidewalks are common in tourist areas but uneven in older neighborhoods. Parks are accessible, and family infrastructure is improving in newer developments.

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