Salary & Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC: $42,000 median salary, cost of living index 95, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$42,000
$20/hr
Cost of Living
95
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Myrtle Beach, SC Overview
Population
35,682
Median Salary
$42,000
Average Salary
$47,500
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$275,000
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
9%
Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina with a population of 35,682. The median household salary is $42,000 per year ($20/hour), which is $17,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Myrtle Beach Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Myrtle Beach, SC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$33,182
$2,765.13/month · $1,276.21/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.0%
Gross Pay
$42,000
Federal Tax
-$3,002
State Tax
-$2,604
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,213
Net Pay
$33,182
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,500.00 | $42,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$250.13 | -$3,001.50 |
| South Carolina State Tax (6.2%) | -$217.00 | -$2,604.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$217.00 | -$2,604.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$50.75 | -$609.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,765.13 | $33,181.50 |
Salary Comparison: Myrtle Beach vs Other Cities
See how Myrtle Beach's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $42,000 | 95 | $44,211 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Hialeah, FL | $42,000 | 110 | $38,182 |
| Youngstown, OH | $42,000 | 78 | $53,846 |
| Reading, PA | $42,000 | 85 | $49,412 |
| Laredo, TX | $42,000 | 80 | $52,500 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100). Living in Myrtle Beach is 5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$275,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,200
Annual Rent Cost
$14,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $33,182 annual take-home pay in Myrtle Beach has the purchasing power of approximately $34,928 in an average-cost US area. Your $42,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $42,000.
Salary Tips for Myrtle Beach Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.2% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Myrtle Beach's top industries include Tourism, Hospitality, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $42,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The median salary in Myrtle Beach, SC is $42,000 per year, or $20 per hour. The average salary is $47,500. This is $17,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $275,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,200.
What are the best industries in Myrtle Beach?
The top industries in Myrtle Beach, SC include Tourism, Hospitality, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $42,000.
How does Myrtle Beach's salary compare to other cities?
Myrtle Beach's median salary of $42,000 is 29.3% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 95), the real purchasing power is approximately $44,211.
What is the minimum wage in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The minimum wage in Myrtle Beach, SC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.