Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Myrtle Beach, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 11.3% more expensive than Myrtle Beach, SC. This translates to spending an extra $845 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Myrtle Beach, SC, you'd need approximately $160,135.763 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Myrtle Beach, SC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 25.2% more expensive than in Myrtle Beach, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,442/month in Myrtle Beach, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Myrtle Beach, SC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $845 more per month than Myrtle Beach, SC, or $10136 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Myrtle Beach, SC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Myrtle Beach, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Myrtle Beach, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $845/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$845

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$294K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Myrtle Beach, SC

The Palmetto State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 40K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Myrtle Beach, SC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Myrtle Beach, SC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,227/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $561more	25.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,212/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $277more	22.9%
📦Other	$1,620/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $57.14more	3.5%
⚡All Utilities	$521/mo	$561/mo	↑ $39.95more	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$603/mo	$589/mo	↓ $14.85less	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$963/mo	↑ $0.07more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.2%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$2,227

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$561

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.9%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$1,212

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$277

📦Other

↑ 3.5%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$1,620

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$57.14

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.7%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$521

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$39.95

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.5%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$603

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$14.85

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.0%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$963

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$0.07

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,129

To$1,390

↑ $261

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,510

↑ $300

2 Bed

From$1,442

To$1,750

↑ $308

3 Bed

From$1,774

To$2,330

↑ $556

Myrtle Beach, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,190–$1,210/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,147

Monthly in Myrtle Beach, SC

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$921

Difference

Home Values

Myrtle Beach

Phoenix

$294K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$274K - $313K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 41% more expensive than Myrtle Beach

Calculate payment - Myrtle Beach Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$394

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Myrtle Beach, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Myrtle Beach, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.