Dreaming of Southern charm and coastal living, but can’t decide whether to buy a home in Myrtle Beach or rent in Charleston? Both cities offer beautiful coastlines and welcoming communities, but the lifestyle is different. Myrtle Beach is known for its vibrant tourist attractions and affordable housing options, while Charleston shines with its historic charm, gastronomy, and upscale neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a vacation hotspot or the elegance of a historic coastal city, this Redfin article weighs the key differences and helps you find what’s right for you. Masu.
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston Homes
Myrtle Beach and Charleston are two of South Carolina’s most desirable destinations, each offering unique housing opportunities that reflect their lifestyles. Let’s analyze the main differences in the housing market between these coastal cities.
myrtle beach homes
Myrtle Beach’s real estate market caters to those seeking affordable coastal living. Options range from oceanfront condos perfect for retirees and vacationers to single-family homes in quiet suburbs. This area offers great value, especially for buyers looking to maximize square footage and proximity to the beach.
charleston homes
Charleston’s housing market combines historic charm with modern luxury. From restored homes in areas like the French Quarter to upscale suburban developments in Mount Pleasant, the city’s real estate reflects its rich history and upscale charm. Housing is more expensive than in Myrtle Beach, but it has unique architectural and cultural value.
Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach and Charleston
The cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina is 9% higher than in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina due to differences in housing, food, and living costs. Let’s take a closer look here:
1. Utility
Utilities in Charleston are 1% cheaper than Myrtle Beach. Charleston has larger homes and older infrastructure, leading to higher utility bills, while Myrtle Beach has seasonal cooling demands that push overall utility costs slightly higher.
2. Groceries
Groceries in Charleston are 1% more expensive than in Myrtle Beach. While Charleston has high prices due to high demand for specialty and locally sourced food, Myrtle Beach has more budget-friendly grocery store options that keep costs slightly lower.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in Charleston are 16% lower than Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach’s smaller size means lower fuel and parking rates, while higher fuel and parking rates increase costs in the Charleston metropolitan area.
4. Healthcare
Health care costs in Charleston are 7% lower than in Myrtle Beach. Charleston’s larger hospital and broader medical options slightly offset the higher costs found in Myrtle Beach’s limited network.
5. Lifestyle
The cost of living in Charleston is 3% lower than in Myrtle Beach. While Charleston’s fine dining, historical tours, and cultural events are more expensive, Myrtle Beach’s emphasis on casual dining and entertainment means the overall cost of living is slightly lower.
Size and population of Myrtle Beach and Charleston
Myrtle Beach and Charleston are both popular coastal destinations in South Carolina, but they vary widely in size and population. Myrtle Beach is a small, welcoming, tourist-oriented city with an area of 23 square miles and a population of approximately 36,000. In contrast, Charleston, with an area of 128 square miles and a population of approximately 150,000, combines historic charm with urban sophistication. While Myrtle Beach thrives on its beaches and resorts, Charleston has a mix of walkable historic and suburban neighborhoods that offer a more diverse urban experience.
Myrtle Beach vs Charleston weather and climate
Both Myrtle Beach and Charleston have warm, sunny summers and humid, subtropical winters with mild winters, although Myrtle Beach is slightly cooler due to its coastal location. While Charleston tends to have humid summers and occasional heat waves inland, Myrtle Beach benefits from consistent ocean breezes. Both cities are at risk for hurricanes in late summer and fall, with Charleston historically experiencing more severe storm impacts.
Myrtle Beach and Charleston job market
Charleston: a hub for tourism, technology, and manufacturing
Charleston’s economy is diverse and growing, driven by tourism, technology, and manufacturing. The city’s employment rate is 67% and the median household income is $95,000, supported by a strong job market. Opportunities in logistics, aerospace, and healthcare continue to expand with major employers such as Boeing and Joint Base Charleston. The average hourly wage of $28.29 reflects Charleston’s balance of economic growth and quality of life.
Myrtle Beach: Tourism-Driven Opportunities
Myrtle Beach’s economy revolves around a vibrant tourism sector, with hospitality and retail being the main drivers of employment. The city’s employment rate is 57% and the median household income is $54,000, reflecting its reliance on seasonal and service-oriented industries. With an average hourly wage of $22.19, we cater to those working in hospitality, entertainment, and real estate. Large employers such as Horry County Schools and Grand Strand Health provide stable opportunities for smaller tourism-focused markets and support the local economy.
Myrtle Beach vs Charleston Transportation
Charleston: A Historic District Walkable by Transit
Charleston is known for its walkable downtown, and walking is the best way to explore its cobblestone streets and historic charm. The city also offers bus service through the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), but public transportation is not as extensive as in larger cities. Although biking is popular in some areas, driving is still essential for getting around the suburbs and surrounding areas.
Myrtle Beach: Car required, transportation limited
Myrtle Beach is heavily car-dependent, with limited public transportation options including Coast RTA buses. Walking and cycling are common along the coast and in tourist areas, but most residents use cars for their daily commute. The city’s layout and suburban feel make a car the most practical option for getting around.
Round-trip travel between Myrtle Beach and Charleston
Charleston offers diverse travel options with international connections, while Myrtle Beach focuses on domestic and regional travel.
Charleston: Charleston International Airport, Amtrak service connecting to East Coast destinations, Greyhound and regional bus service, and the port’s cruise terminal. Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach International Airport, limited regional bus service via Greyhound, and seasonal ferries for recreational and tourist purposes.
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston Lifestyle and Activities
A day in the life of a Charlestonian
Living in Charleston combines historic charm with modern Southern elegance. Start your morning with a stroll along downtown’s cobblestone streets or Charleston Waterfront Park. The city’s rich gastronomic scene is a highlight, with opportunities to explore local markets and world-class restaurants. On the weekends, you can visit historic plantations, relax on nearby beaches, or attend one of the city’s many festivals.
Popular places to visit in Charleston:
Google Street View of Charleston City Market
Charleston Parks:
Google Street View of Waterfront Park
Charleston Attractions: Boone Hall Plantation Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Rainbow Row Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
A day in the life of a Myrtle Beach local
Living in Myrtle Beach is all about enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the beach town atmosphere. Mornings often start with a sunrise walk along the coast or breakfast at a beachfront cafe. Your day might include exploring local attractions like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or shopping at Broadway at the Beach. Evenings are a great time to watch live entertainment and enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants.
Popular places to visit in Myrtle Beach:
Google Street View of Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach Parks:
Google Street View of Huntington Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach Attractions: SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Broadway at the Beach Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade Barefoot Landing Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston Food and Culture
Charleston: Holy City
Charleston’s culinary scene blends Lowcountry tradition with modern Southern innovation. Seafood classics like shrimp and grits and crab soup are a must-try alongside fine dining at the King Street restaurants. The city’s rich culture is evident in its historic buildings, Gullah heritage, and events such as Spoleto Festival USA, which celebrates music, dance, and theater. Charleston’s charm lies in its seamless blend of history, food, and art.
Myrtle Beach: The Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach offers a casual beach town food scene focused on fresh seafood and traditional Southern cuisine. Gourd-style buffets, waterfront crab shacks, and barbecue joints dominate dining. The city’s culture revolves around tourism-driven attractions, and friendly entertainment and outdoor festivals such as the Carolina Opry add to the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston sports scene
Charleston: Sports Madness of the South
Charleston’s sports scene focuses on minor league teams and outdoor recreation. The Charleston RiverDogs bring baseball excitement to Joe Riley Stadium, and the Charleston Battery provides professional soccer action. Due to the city’s proximity to the coast, water sports, golf and tennis play an important role in its sports culture. Events such as the Volvo Car Open, a major tennis tournament, add to the city’s sporting appeal.
Myrtle Beach: Golf and Outdoor Fun
Myrtle Beach’s sports culture is built around its status as a golf mecca, with more than 80 championship courses for all skill levels. Baseball fans can enjoy a game by the minor league affiliate Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The city’s love of the outdoors is reflected in its water sports, fishing, and amateur tournaments, making it an active destination for sports enthusiasts.
