Myrtle Beach vs Florida for Retirees: Cost of Living, Taxes, and Lifestyle Comparison

Myrtle Beach vs Florida for Retirees: Which Is Better?

⚠️ Let’s be honest about this decision…

If you’re retiring to the Southeast…

You’re probably stuck between two places:

👉 Florida
👉 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

And on the surface?

They look pretty similar:

• Warm weather
• Coastal lifestyle
• Golf, beaches, relaxed pace

But once you dig deeper?

👉 They are VERY different financially and lifestyle-wise

🧠 Quick Answer (If You Just Want the Truth)

• Florida wins on taxes (no state income tax)
• Myrtle Beach wins on overall affordability + lower cost of living
• Both are retirement-friendly—but for different reasons

👉 The real question is:

Do you want to save on taxes… or save on your total monthly lifestyle?

💰 Cost of Living: Where Your Money Actually Goes Further

Here’s where things shift fast.

Myrtle Beach / South Carolina:

• Lower housing costs
• Lower utilities in many cases
• Generally lower overall cost of living

👉 South Carolina is about 6% below the national average overall

Florida:

• Higher home prices in many coastal areas
• Higher insurance (this is a BIG one right now)
• Higher everyday costs in popular retiree markets

👉 Many retirees find South Carolina is simply more affordable overall

🧾 Taxes: This Is Where Florida Grabs Attention

Let’s not sugarcoat it…

Florida:

• ✅ No state income tax
• ✅ No tax on Social Security, pensions, or retirement income

That’s a big deal.

South Carolina:

• ❌ Has state income tax (but…)
• ✅ Social Security is NOT taxed
• ✅ Retirement income deductions available
• ✅ Very low property taxes

👉 Translation:

Florida = simpler tax structure
South Carolina = still VERY tax-friendly (just not zero)

⚠️ The Hidden Cost Nobody Talks About (This Changes Everything)

Here’s where most retirees get surprised…

Florida:

• Homeowners insurance can hit $4K–$6K+ per year in some areas
• Storm risk = rising premiums
• Some insurers leaving the state

👉 That “no income tax” can get eaten up quickly

Myrtle Beach / South Carolina:

• Lower insurance costs overall (still coastal, but less extreme)
• Lower property tax rates

👉 This is why many retirees are shifting OUT of Florida

🏡 Housing: What You Actually Get for Your Money

Myrtle Beach:

• More affordable single-family homes
• Less competition vs Florida hotspots
• Easier to find newer homes at lower price points

Florida:

• Higher prices in popular retiree areas (Naples, Sarasota, etc.)
• Condo-heavy markets in some areas
• More expensive HOAs in many communities

👉 Same budget often = more house in Myrtle Beach

🌴 Lifestyle: This Is Personal (But It Matters)

Florida Lifestyle:

• Bigger cities
• More traffic
• More “retirement communities”
• Busier year-round

Myrtle Beach Lifestyle:

• Slower pace
• Less crowded (outside peak tourist season)
• Strong local feel
• Easy access to golf, beach, and smaller communities

👉 Think:

Florida = energy
Myrtle Beach = balance

🌪️ Weather + Risk

Let’s be real here too:

Florida:

• Higher hurricane exposure
• Insurance volatility
• Heat is more intense and longer-lasting

Myrtle Beach:

• Still coastal (storms happen)
• But typically less extreme overall
• Slightly more seasonal variation

📊 What Most Retirees End Up Choosing (And Why)

Here’s the pattern I see:

👉 People choose Florida for:

• Tax savings
• Established retirement communities
• Warmer winters

👉 People choose Myrtle Beach for:

• Lower total monthly cost
• Less chaos
• Better balance of lifestyle + affordability

🔗 Read These Next

👉 The Real Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach (2026 Breakdown)
👉 Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market (Prices + Trends)
👉 Understanding HOA Fees in Myrtle Beach
👉 Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make in Myrtle Beach

💬 Final Thought

Florida sells you on:

👉 “No state income tax”

Myrtle Beach wins people over with:

👉 “I can actually enjoy my life without stressing the numbers”

And for a lot of retirees…

👉 That second one matters more.

📞 CTA

If you’re trying to decide between Florida and Myrtle Beach…

👉 Let’s make it simple

I’ll break down:

• What your monthly cost would actually look like
• Where your money goes further
• And what fits your lifestyle best

👉 Book a quick 15-minute call
No pressure. Just clarity.

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it cheaper to retire in Myrtle Beach or Florida?

Generally, Myrtle Beach is more affordable overall due to lower housing, insurance, and cost of living.

Is Florida better for taxes than South Carolina?

Yes, Florida has no state income tax, while South Carolina offers partial exemptions but still taxes some income.

Why are retirees leaving Florida?

Rising insurance costs, higher living expenses, and congestion in certain areas are driving some retirees to consider alternatives.

Is Myrtle Beach a good place to retire?

Yes, it offers a lower cost of living, tax advantages, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Ready to explore retirement in Myrtle Beach? Contact Bigg Lloyd Dotson at LPT Realty or visit livingbiggmyrtlebeach.com for tailored advice and the latest listings for retirees.