True Cost of Renting in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach's 60-mile Grand Strand is one of the East Coast's top tourist destinations — and its rental market reflects the tension between short-term vacation rentals and long-term residential housing. The Market Common development (built on a decommissioned Air Force base) offers the city's best walkable residential experience, while oceanfront rents are inflated by vacation rental competition.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Market Common

Studio:
$1,200/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$1,900/mo

Former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base redevelopment; walkable retail, dining, and apartments on a planned grid. Best long-term rental value in Myrtle Beach. Dominion Energy SC electric. Most units are apartments above retail or in residential communities.

Broadway at the Beach Area

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Tourist commercial district; apartment complexes in adjacent residential areas. Short-term rental competition limits long-term supply near the oceanfront. Hurricane insurance riders on renters policies add $30–50/month. Car required.

Carolina Forest

1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Suburban planned community 8 miles inland; newer apartment complexes at competitive rents. Less tourist traffic and short-term rental competition. Good Horry County schools. Car-dependent.

Utility Providers

Electric
Dominion Energy South Carolina
Water
City of Myrtle Beach Water
Internet
Spectrum, AT&T Internet, T-Mobile Home Internet

Commute & Transportation

Myrtle Beach is relatively isolated — Conway (county seat, 20 min) and Georgetown (45 min) are the closest significant towns. Charlotte is 3.5 hrs inland; Wilmington, NC is 75 miles north. The Grand Strand's employment base is heavily hospitality and retail — significant commuting outside the Myrtle Beach area is uncommon. Myrtle Beach International Airport handles seasonal and year-round flights. US-501 is the primary inland route. US-17 runs the length of the Grand Strand.

Rental Market Overview

Myrtle Beach's rental market has two seasons: tourist season (May–August) when short-term competition is most intense, and off-season when longer-term leases are more available. Renters insurance in coastal Myrtle Beach should include hurricane riders — budget $35–55/month total. Dominion Energy SC summer bills average $130–200/month in older beachfront properties. The Market Common development offers the best rent-to-quality ratio for long-term residents seeking stability.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Myrtle Beach

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Myrtle Beach: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Myrtle Beach?
One-bedroom apartments in Myrtle Beach range from $1,300/month in Broadway at the Beach Area to $1,400/month in Market Common. Two-bedroom units range from $1,700 to $1,900/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Myrtle Beach?
In Myrtle Beach, electricity is provided by Dominion Energy South Carolina, water by City of Myrtle Beach Water, and common internet providers include Spectrum, AT&T Internet, T-Mobile Home Internet. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Myrtle Beach?
Broadway at the Beach Area is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300/month. Tourist commercial district; apartment complexes in adjacent residential areas. Short-term rental competition limits long-term supply near the oceanfront. Hurricane insurance riders on renters policies add $30–50/month. Car required. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Myrtle Beach expensive to rent in?
Myrtle Beach's rental market has two seasons: tourist season (May–August) when short-term competition is most intense, and off-season when longer-term leases are more available. Renters insurance in coastal Myrtle Beach should include hurricane riders — budget $35–55/month total. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Myrtle Beach — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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