Can You Afford to Retire in Myrtle Beach in 2026?

Can Myrtle Beach be affordable for retirement in 2026? The analysis shows a nuanced picture: the cost of living index sits at 94.7, below the national average, with housing looking favorable but insurance costs higher, especially near water. The median list price in Myrtle Beach is around $265,000, with a Zillow median sale near $272,000 and Redfin’s three-month median around $232,000 for homes overall. Insurance for a $300,000 dwelling averages about $4,500 annually, rising above $7,000 for homes east of Highway 17 or in flood zones. Healthcare for a 65-year-old couple on Medicare would cost roughly $202.90 per person per month for Part B, plus supplemental plans, with groceries near $11,000 annually and utilities around $3,800. A full budgeting approach indicates a couple spending about $72,000 per year, including insurance, healthcare, housing, groceries, and discretionary expenses, with South Carolina tax breaks on Social Security and a progressive income tax structure under HB 4216. Two average retirees could see about $2,071 monthly after taxes.