Charleston, SC vs Myrtle Beach, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Myrtle Beach has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charleston | Myrtle Beach | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 122 | 95 | Myrtle Beach |
| Housing | 135 ($1,142) | 100 ($792) | Myrtle Beach |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Charleston |
| Food & groceries | 121 ($496) | 72 ($295) | Myrtle Beach |
| Utilities | 118 ($243) | 100 ($180) | Myrtle Beach |
| Healthcare | 118 ($176) | 100 ($130) | Myrtle Beach |
| Median annual wage | 96 ($46,490) | 96 ($46,490) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston, SC or Myrtle Beach, SC cheaper to live in?
Myrtle Beach, SC is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (Charleston, SC: 122, Myrtle Beach, SC: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charleston, SC vs Myrtle Beach, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $42,700/year in Charleston, SC and $33,250/year in Myrtle Beach, SC to cover basic living costs.