Columbia, SC vs Myrtle Beach, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | Myrtle Beach | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 82 | 95 | Columbia |
| Housing | 70 ($811) | 100 ($792) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Myrtle Beach |
| Food & groceries | 75 ($308) | 72 ($295) | Myrtle Beach |
| Utilities | 85 ($126) | 100 ($180) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 85 ($91) | 100 ($130) | Columbia |
| 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 Columbia, SC or Myrtle Beach, SC cheaper to live in?
Columbia, SC is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Columbia, SC: 82, Myrtle Beach, SC: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, SC vs Myrtle Beach, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $28,700/year in Columbia, SC and $33,250/year in Myrtle Beach, SC to cover basic living costs.