8 Most Affordable Myrtle Beach Suburbs to Live In

Myrtle Beach, SC, “The Grand Strand,” is swiftly becoming home for many South Carolinians and out-of-staters alike. This Southeastern city is known for many things including its seasonal tourism as well as lots of beaches, nightlife options, and golf courses.

If you’re moving to or living in Myrtle Beach, know that the housing market is not very competitive, the median home sale price is $261,200, and the average sale price per square foot is $234. And if you’re a renter, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Myrtle Beach is about $1,760.

If those numbers are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve collected the 8 most affordable Myrtle Beach suburbs to consider moving to. And the best part is that they’re all less than 35 minutes away from the city center. That way you can live close to Myrtle Beach and all its awesome activities without paying the premium price of owning a home or renting an apartment there.

#1: Red Hill

Median home price: $252,228 
Average sale price per square foot: $171 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 20 minutes
Red Hill, SC homes for sale
Red Hill, SC apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $252,228, Red Hill takes the number one spot on our list of affordable Myrtle Beach suburbs. About a 20-minute drive away from downtown Myrtle Beach, Red Hill is home to roughly 15,900 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to golf at one of the many golf courses.

#2: Conway

Median home price: $260,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $181 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 25 minutes
Conway, SC homes for sale
Conway, SC apartments for rent

Taking the second place on our list is Conway. About a 25-minute drive away from downtown Myrtle Beach, you can spend the day at one of the many beaches in just a quick drive. Some popular things to do in Conway include exploring the Conway Riverwalk and taking a tour of Horry County Museum. When living in this suburb of 24,800 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.

#3: Socastee

Median home price: $287,020 
Average sale price per square foot: $169 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 15 minutes
Socastee, SC homes for sale
Socastee, SC apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $287,020 and only a 15-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, Socastee is next up. Even with a population of about 22,200, there are plenty of cool things to check out in Socastee. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable suburb, make sure to take in the views at Swing Bridge Park. 

#4: Little River

Median home price: $307,880 
Average sale price per square foot: $192 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,733 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 35 minutes
Little River, SC homes for sale
Little River, SC apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Socastee is none other than Little River. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Myrtle Beach suburb. Make sure to have a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants or golf at the courses.

#5: Garden City

Median home price: $332,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $221 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 20 minutes
Garden City, SC homes for sale
Garden City, SC apartments for rent

Only a 20-minute drive into the city, consider adding Garden City to your list of Myrtle Beach suburbs to consider moving to. With 10,200 people living in this affordable town, Garden City is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Myrtle Beach without paying the premium for a home in the city. Living in Garden City, you can walk along the pier, golf, or grab a meal at one of the great local restaurants.

#6: Forestbrook

Median home price: $355,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $180 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 12 minutes
Forestbrook, SC homes for sale
Forestbrook, SC apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known Myrtle Beach suburb is Forestbrook, where you’ll find the home prices are $355,000. Forestbrook has about 6,700 residents and is a great suburb to consider living in. Whether you visit a local park or pick up a pastry at a local bakery, there’s many cool things to do and see in this suburb. 

#7: Litchfield Beach

Median home price: $370,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $222 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 35 minutes
Litchfield Beach, SC homes for sale
Litchfield Beach, SC apartments for rent

Seventh on our list of affordable Myrtle Beach suburbs is Litchfield Beach, which is roughly a 35-minute drive into the heart of the city. With a population of nearly 8,400, living in Litchfield Beach is a great alternative to Myrtle Beach’s hustle and bustle. Don’t miss out on spending the day at one of the beaches like Litchfield Beach or Magnolia Beach, and exploring the downtown area once moving to the area.

#8: Murrells Inlet

Median home price: $387,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $214 
Driving distance from Myrtle Beach: 25 minutes
Murrells Inlet, SC homes for sale
Murrells Inlet, SC apartments for rent

Last but not least on our list of most affordable Myrtle Beach suburbs is Murrells Inlet. Just about 9,700 residents call this affordable suburb home, so you’ll have a fraction of Myrtle Beach’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Once moving to Murrells Inlet you’ll want to stroll along the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, explore Huntington Beach State Park and check out Atalaya Castle, or spend the day at the beach. 

Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Myrtle Beach and under a 35-minute drive from downtown Myrtle Beach. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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