Cost of living in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, is a popular coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourism industry. Understanding the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Myrtle Beach, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $12 and $31.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $135.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $11.9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.25 to $7, imported beer $3 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $5.95, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.03.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.49 and $5.5, with an average price of $3.06.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.49 to $6.9, averaging $2.14.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.7 to $8.16 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.8 and $7.69 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.29 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.86 to $4.97 per km and $27 to $38 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $20,000 and $35,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $19,000 to $27,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $1800, averaging $1500.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is fixed at $1700.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $2400, averaging $1966.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $950 to $2800, averaging $1983.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1883.68 to $2497, averaging $2190.34.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1614.59 to $2497, averaging $2055.79.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.35 and $291.6, averaging $143.26.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $119, with an average cost of $75.36.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Myrtle Beach offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, with moderate housing and dining costs.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for gasoline, but car purchases can be a significant expense.
Grocery prices vary widely, particularly for fresh produce, which can impact monthly budgets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing options and moderate dining expenses.
Potential residents should consider the variability in grocery prices and transportation costs when planning their budget.
Overall, Myrtle Beach is an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger cities.