Looking to move to South Carolina in 2026? This Grand Strand city rated a top spot
Looking to make a move to South Carolina for the new year?
You won’t be alone. With its cost of living 6% below the national average and some of the lowest property taxes in the country, it’s considered a “smart choice for workers and money-smart people,” according to Houzeo, an online real estate site.
The site recently released its top 10 best places to live in South Carolina for 2026.
Myrtle Beach ranked No. 5 on that list. Houzeo said the coastal city is retiree-friendly with an abundance of 55+ communities and is known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches.
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach is 3.9% lower than the national average, the site said. The median home price is $324,747. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $380 to $3,750 a month, depending on proximity to the ocean.
In order to live comfortably, a person would need an estimated annual income of about $66,880, according to the site’s figures.
While Myrtle Beach’s economy relies heavily on tourism and hospitality, the site pointed out that healthcare is growing, providing additional jobs.
There are some downsides to living in the Myrtle Beach area. Crime has increased in Myrtle Beach, and the city attracts a high volume of tourists during the warmer months, which causes traffic congestion and crowded public spaces, the site pointed out.
Houzeo’s best places to live in South Carolina
Here are what other South Carolina cities made the list:
1. Greenville
2. Lexington
3. Hilton Head Island
4. Spartanburg
5. Myrtle Beach
6. Rock Hill
7. Columbia
8. Charleston
9. Mount Pleasant
10. Summerville
