Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Myrtle Beach, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.6% more expensive than Myrtle Beach, SC. This translates to spending an extra $343 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Myrtle Beach, SC, you'd need approximately $154,119.855 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Myrtle Beach, SC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 10.9% more expensive than in Myrtle Beach, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,442/month in Myrtle Beach, SC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $343 more per month than Myrtle Beach, SC, or $4120 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Myrtle Beach, SC vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $343/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$343

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.1K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Myrtle Beach, SC

The Palmetto State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Myrtle Beach, SC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Myrtle Beach, SC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,227/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $242more	10.9%
📦Other	$1,620/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $87.27more	5.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,212/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $72.11more	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$521/mo	$546/mo	↑ $25.20more	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $3.92less	0.4%
🏥Healthcare	$603/mo	$601/mo	↓ $2.46less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 10.9%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$2,227

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$242

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$1,620

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$87.27

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.9%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$1,212

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$72.11

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.8%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$521

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$25.20

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$963

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$3.92

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.4%

Myrtle Beach, SC

$603

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$2.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,129

To$1,570

↑ $441

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,640

↑ $430

2 Bed

From$1,442

To$1,800

↑ $358

3 Bed

From$1,774

To$2,255

↑ $481

Myrtle Beach, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,190–$1,210/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$420

Difference

Home Values

Myrtle Beach

Raleigh

$294K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$274K - $313K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 74% more expensive than Myrtle Beach

Calculate payment - Myrtle Beach Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$236

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Myrtle Beach, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.