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Cost of Living in Horry County

Is it better to rent or buy in Horry County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$67,921
$1,341/mo

Median in area: $1,341

$290,035

Median in area: $290,035

$58,007

If you Rent

🔑
$1,488 /mo
Base Rent$1,341
Est. Utilities$147
% of Income26.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,172

If you Buy

🏠
$2,015 /mo
P&I (7.021%)$1,547
Taxes & Ins$321
Est. Utilities$147
% of Income35.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,645

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Horry County stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Horry County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Horry County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,488, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,015 per month (a difference of $527).

How much do utilities cost in Horry County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Horry County is approximately $147. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Horry County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Horry County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $59,520 per year.