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
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