What Rent Costs in Myrtle Beach and How It Compares Across the City

Rent prices in Myrtle Beach vary widely by neighborhood and distance from the beach

Myrtle Beach rental costs depend heavily on location. Properties within walking distance of the oceanfront command the highest rents, while neighborhoods inland—particularly those west of Highway 17—typically cost less. A one-bedroom apartment near the beach might rent for significantly more than the same unit a few miles away. The difference between beachfront and non-beachfront areas can be several hundred dollars per month for identical square footage.

Seasonal demand also shapes what landlords charge. Summer months (May through August) see higher rents as tourists and seasonal visitors compete for short-term rentals. Winter and early spring often bring lower rates, particularly for longer leases. If you are flexible about timing, signing a lease in the off-season can reduce your monthly cost.

The type of property matters as much as location. Single-family homes, condominiums, and apartment complexes each have different price ranges. Furnished rentals cost more than unfurnished ones, and utilities included in rent versus tenant-paid also shift the total monthly expense.

Key Takeaways

• Beachfront and downtown Myrtle Beach rentals cost significantly more than properties west of Highway 17 or in outlying neighborhoods.
• Seasonal demand peaks in summer, so rents are typically lower during winter and early spring months.
• Whether utilities are included, the unit is furnished, and the property type all affect the final monthly rent.
• Neighborhoods like Barefoot Landing, Market Common, and areas near Myrtle Beach State Park each have distinct rental price ranges.
• Long-term leases (six months or longer) often cost less per month than short-term or month-to-month agreements.

Beachfront and downtown neighborhoods command the highest rents

Properties directly on or one block from the Atlantic Ocean are the most expensive rentals in Myrtle Beach. This includes the area along North Ocean Boulevard and South Ocean Boulevard, where one-bedroom apartments and condos can rent for double or triple what similar units cost inland. Landlords price these units for both tourists seeking summer vacations and retirees wanting oceanfront living year-round.

Downtown Myrtle Beach, centered around the Boardwalk and Convention Center, also carries premium pricing. The walkability to restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues justifies higher rents. Many of these units are condominiums in mid-rise or high-rise buildings with amenities like pools, fitness centers, and security.

If oceanfront living fits your budget, understand that many beachfront leases are seasonal or short-term. Landlords may require a minimum stay of three to six months rather than offering traditional year-round leases. Pet policies and parking arrangements also differ significantly from inland properties.

Mid-range neighborhoods offer balance between cost and convenience

Areas like Market Common, Barefoot Landing, and neighborhoods near Myrtle Beach State Park fall into a middle price range. These locations are close enough to the beach for easy access but far enough inland to avoid peak oceanfront pricing. Market Common, in particular, has become popular for renters seeking walkable retail and dining without the beachfront premium.

The Murrells Inlet area, just south of Myrtle Beach proper, offers similar mid-range pricing with access to the Huntington Beach State Park and quieter residential streets. North Myrtle Beach, technically a separate city but part of the greater Myrtle Beach area, often has lower rents than central Myrtle Beach while maintaining beach access.

These neighborhoods typically have a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and smaller apartment complexes. Parking is usually included or available, and many properties sit on larger lots with yards—a feature less common in downtown or beachfront units.

Inland and west-of-Highway-17 areas offer the lowest rents

Properties west of Highway 17 Business—the main north-south corridor through Myrtle Beach—are consistently the most affordable. This includes neighborhoods around Highway 501, areas near Barefoot Resort, and residential sections further from tourist zones. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than a comparable unit near the beach.

The trade-off is distance and car dependency. Most inland neighborhoods require a car to reach the beach, restaurants, and shopping. However, if you work inland or do not prioritize beach proximity, these areas offer the best value for your rent dollar. Many are established residential communities with schools, grocery stores, and local services already in place.

Landlords in these areas often manage longer-term rentals and are more likely to offer traditional 12-month leases. Utilities are frequently tenant-paid rather than included, so factor that into your budget comparison.

Furnished versus unfurnished and utility arrangements affect total cost

A furnished rental in Myrtle Beach typically costs 20 to 40 percent more than the same unfurnished unit. Furnished properties are marketed primarily to short-term renters, seasonal visitors, and people relocating temporarily. If you are signing a lease longer than six months, negotiating for an unfurnished rate or asking the landlord to remove furniture can lower your monthly payment.

Utilities included in rent simplify budgeting but usually mean a higher base rent. When utilities are tenant-paid, the landlord charges less monthly, but you cover electricity, water, gas, and sometimes internet separately. In summer, air conditioning costs spike; in winter, heating bills rise. Ask current or previous tenants in the same building what their typical utility costs run before deciding which arrangement saves you money.

Some landlords offer partial utility inclusion—for example, water and trash included but electricity separate. Read the lease carefully to understand exactly what you are paying for and what remains your responsibility.

Lease length and seasonal timing affect what you pay

Month-to-month rentals in Myrtle Beach carry the highest per-month cost because landlords maintain flexibility to raise rates or end the lease. A six-month lease typically costs less per month than month-to-month, and a 12-month lease usually offers the best monthly rate. If you can commit to a full year, you will likely see a 10 to 20 percent reduction compared to short-term pricing.

Signing a lease during the off-season (November through March) often means lower rates than signing during peak summer demand. However, off-season leases sometimes include clauses allowing the landlord to raise rent when you renew, so read renewal terms carefully. Some landlords offer discounts for signing longer leases during slow seasons—for example, a reduced rate for a 12-month lease signed in January.

If you are relocating to Myrtle Beach for work or retirement, timing your lease signing for late fall or winter can result in meaningful savings. Conversely, if you need housing in June or July, expect to pay peak rates and have fewer options available.

How to research rental prices in specific Myrtle Beach neighborhoods

Online rental listing sites show current market rates, though prices listed may not reflect negotiated final amounts. Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com allow you to filter by neighborhood, price range, and amenities. Local property management companies often maintain their own websites with available units and pricing specific to their portfolio.

Visiting neighborhoods in person gives you a sense of the area's character, traffic patterns, and proximity to services. Drive through at different times of day to understand commute times and noise levels. Talk to people at local coffee shops or parks—they often have insights about which neighborhoods are quiet, which are noisy, and which are changing.

Real estate agents and property managers can provide market analysis showing average rents by neighborhood and how prices have shifted over the past year. Some will share this information even if you are not buying property. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and local visitor bureaus also publish information about the rental market and neighborhood characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Myrtle Beach?

Rent varies significantly by location. Beachfront one-bedrooms can cost substantially more than inland units. To get accurate current pricing, check rental listing sites and filter by the specific neighborhood where you want to live, since a quote for downtown will not reflect what you would pay west of Highway 17.

Are utilities usually included in Myrtle Beach rental prices?

It depends on the property and landlord. Some include water and trash; others include all utilities. Many require tenants to pay utilities separately. Always ask the landlord or property manager which utilities are included before signing, and request an estimate of typical monthly utility costs from current tenants if utilities are your responsibility.

Is it cheaper to rent in North Myrtle Beach instead of Myrtle Beach?

North Myrtle Beach, a separate city just north of Myrtle Beach, often has lower rents while still offering beach access. However, prices vary by neighborhood within North Myrtle Beach just as they do in Myrtle Beach proper. Beachfront units in North Myrtle Beach can still be expensive; inland areas are more affordable.

Can I negotiate rent with a landlord in Myrtle Beach?

Negotiation is possible, especially for longer leases, off-season signings, or if you are a strong tenant with good references. Landlords are more willing to negotiate on unfurnished units or when signing a 12-month lease during slow rental season. It never hurts to ask, but understand that beachfront and high-demand properties have less flexibility.

What should I budget for utilities if they are not included in rent?

Utility costs vary by season and usage. Summer air conditioning and winter heating drive bills higher. Ask the landlord or property management company for average monthly utility costs, or contact the local utility provider (Myrtle Beach Utilities or Horry Electric Cooperative, depending on location) for estimates based on the property's size and your expected usage.