If you find yourself torn between purchasing a home in Myrtle Beach or renting in Charleston, both cities offer a mix of Southern charm and coastal living. Myrtle Beach boasts vibrant tourist attractions and budget-friendly housing options, while Charleston is known for its historic charm, culinary scene, and upscale neighborhoods.
Whether you’re drawn to the energy of a vacation destination or the sophistication of a historic city, this Redfin guide will help you compare the key differences and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Housing Options in Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Myrtle Beach and Charleston offer unique housing opportunities that reflect their distinct lifestyles. Myrtle Beach provides affordable coastal living with options like oceanfront condos and single-family homes in quiet suburbs. On the other hand, Charleston’s real estate market blends historic charm with modern luxury, featuring restored homes in the French Quarter and upscale developments in Mount Pleasant.
Housing in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s real estate market caters to those seeking affordable coastal living, with options ranging from oceanfront condos to single-family homes in quiet suburbs. The area offers great value, especially for buyers looking for proximity to the beach.
Housing in Charleston
Charleston’s housing market combines historic charm and modern luxury, offering a blend of restored homes in the French Quarter and upscale suburban developments in Mount Pleasant. While housing in Charleston may be more expensive than Myrtle Beach, it provides unique architectural and cultural value.
Cost of Living Comparison: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
The cost of living in Charleston is 9% higher than in Myrtle Beach, driven by differences in housing, dining, and lifestyle expenses. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Utilities
Utilities in Charleston are slightly less expensive than in Myrtle Beach, with seasonal demand for cooling affecting overall expenses in both cities.
2. Groceries
Charleston’s higher demand for specialty and locally sourced foods makes groceries slightly more expensive compared to Myrtle Beach.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in Charleston are lower than in Myrtle Beach, with factors like fuel prices and parking fees influencing the difference.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Charleston are slightly lower than in Myrtle Beach, with Charleston’s larger hospitals and healthcare options contributing to the difference.
5. Lifestyle
Charleston’s fine dining, historic tours, and cultural events make lifestyle expenses slightly higher than in Myrtle Beach, which focuses more on casual dining and entertainment.
Population and Size Comparison: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Myrtle Beach covers 23 square miles with a population of around 36,000, creating an intimate and tourist-focused atmosphere. Charleston, spanning 128 square miles with a population of approximately 150,000, offers a mix of historic charm and urban sophistication.
Weather and Climate Contrasts: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Both cities enjoy a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Myrtle Beach is slightly cooler due to its location further up the coast, while Charleston experiences higher summer humidity and occasional heatwaves. Both cities face hurricane risks during late summer and fall, with Charleston historically experiencing more significant storm impacts.
Job Market Dynamics: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston: Diverse Opportunities in Tourism, Tech, and Manufacturing
Charleston’s growing economy is fueled by tourism, tech, and manufacturing sectors, with major employers like Boeing and Joint Base Charleston driving job growth. The city’s employment rate is 67%, with a median household income of $95,000.
Myrtle Beach: Tourism-Centric Economy
Myrtle Beach’s economy revolves around tourism, with hospitality and retail as primary employment drivers. The city’s employment rate is 57%, with a median household income of $54,000, reflecting its reliance on seasonal and service-oriented industries.
Transportation Options: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston: Walkable Downtown and Transit Services
Charleston’s downtown is known for its walkability, with bus services provided by CARTA. Biking is popular in some areas, but car travel remains essential for navigating suburban neighborhoods.
Myrtle Beach: Car-Dependent Layout
Myrtle Beach relies heavily on cars, with limited public transportation options available. Walking and biking are common along the beachfront, but most residents use cars for daily commutes due to the city’s layout and suburban feel.
Travel Accessibility: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston offers diverse travel options, including an international airport, Amtrak service, bus services, and cruise terminals. Myrtle Beach focuses more on domestic and regional travel, with an international airport and limited regional bus services.
Lifestyle and Leisure Activities: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston: Historic Charm and Culinary Delights
Living in Charleston means enjoying historic charm and modern Southern elegance. Explore the city’s cobblestone streets, waterfront park, and rich culinary scene featuring local markets and world-class restaurants.
Myrtle Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Beach Vibes
Life in Myrtle Beach revolves around outdoor activities and a laid-back beach-town vibe. Enjoy sunrise strolls on the beach, shopping at waterfront attractions, and fresh seafood dining at waterfront restaurants.
Food and Culture Scene: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston: Culinary Delights and Cultural Heritage
Charleston’s culinary scene blends Lowcountry traditions with modern Southern innovation, offering seafood classics and upscale dining experiences. The city’s rich culture is evident in its historic architecture, Gullah heritage, and cultural events.
Myrtle Beach: Casual Dining and Beach Town Vibes
Myrtle Beach’s food scene centers around fresh seafood and Southern comfort classics, with casual dining options like buffets and crab shacks. The city’s culture is influenced by tourism-driven attractions and outdoor festivals.
Sports Culture: Myrtle Beach vs Charleston
Charleston: Minor League Thrills and Outdoor Recreation
Charleston’s sports scene features minor league teams like the RiverDogs and outdoor activities like golf, tennis, and water sports. Events like the Volvo Car Open contribute to the city’s sports appeal.
Myrtle Beach: Golf Paradise and Outdoor Activities
Myrtle Beach’s sports culture revolves around golf, with over 80 championship courses catering to all skill levels. Outdoor activities like water sports and fishing make it a haven for sports enthusiasts.