Trying to decide between Conway and Myrtle Beach? You are not alone. Many families and remote workers weigh inland savings against the pull of living near the ocean. Your monthly budget can look very different depending on where you land.
In this guide, you will learn how housing, HOA dues, insurance, utilities, transportation, and lifestyle costs compare between Conway and Myrtle Beach. You will also get a simple checklist to gather your own quotes and build a precise monthly budget. Let’s dive in.
Quick comparison snapshot
| Cost area | Conway | Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Housing mix | More single-family homes and larger lots | More condos and resort-style buildings |
| HOA/condo fees | Often lower, especially in small HOAs | Often higher in oceanfront and amenity-rich condos |
| Insurance exposure | Lower wind exposure inland; riverine flood risk in some areas | Higher wind and coastal flood exposure, policy complexity can increase |
| Property taxes | Same county system; city millage varies by location | Same county system; city millage varies by location |
| Utilities | Similar electric rates; local water/sewer providers differ | Similar electric rates; coastal microclimate may affect AC needs |
| Commute/traffic | Inland drives to the beach area can add time | Closer to coastal employers and amenities |
| Seasonal price swings | More stable, local-market pricing | More seasonal pricing for dining, services, and parking |
Use this as a starting point, then confirm numbers for the exact home and neighborhood you are considering.
Housing costs
Buying a home
- Conway typically offers more single-family homes with yards and a lower price per square foot compared with many ocean-adjacent areas.
- Myrtle Beach has a large share of condos and resort buildings near the shore. Condo prices and carrying costs can vary by proximity to the ocean and amenities.
- Seasonality matters. Listing activity often rises in spring and early summer, and coastal pricing can show more swings due to tourism demand.
If you are financing, estimate your monthly payment using the current mortgage rate, your down payment, and the target home price. For a clean comparison, use the same down payment percentage and rate for both locations.
Renting
- Conway rentals skew toward single-family homes and townhomes inland.
- Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of condos and apartments, including buildings that allow short-term rentals. Seasonal demand can influence availability and pricing near the beach.
Tip: Compare the total move-in cost and any resort-style fees. In some buildings, parking, elevator reservations, or amenity passes can add to your upfront and ongoing expenses.
HOA and condo fees
- In Conway, many small subdivisions and townhome communities charge modest HOA dues that cover landscaping, common area care, and basic services.
- In Myrtle Beach, oceanfront and resort-style buildings often carry higher monthly dues. These can cover master building insurance, exterior maintenance, elevators, pools, security, reserves, and sometimes on-site management.
- Ask about special assessments. Buildings near the coast can face accelerated wear from salt air, which may lead to larger capital projects over time.
What to review before you buy:
- HOA budget, reserves, and recent financials
- Insurance coverage included in dues versus what you must carry yourself
- Rental policies, especially if you plan to rent short term
- Any upcoming projects or assessments noted in board minutes
Property taxes
Both Conway and Myrtle Beach sit in Horry County, which means the same county assessment system applies. City millage can differ by municipality and affects the final bill. Your taxes depend on the assessed value, the legal assessment ratio, and whether the property is your primary residence. For the most accurate estimate, pull the latest tax bill on a recent comparable home near your target property from the county records.
Key reminders:
- Assessed value is not the same as market price.
- Owner-occupied status can affect your tax ratio in South Carolina.
- Always verify with the county tax office before you finalize a budget.
Homeowners, wind, and flood insurance
Insurance is where coastal and inland costs often diverge.
- Inland Conway homes outside mapped flood zones typically see simpler homeowners policies. Homes near the Waccamaw River or in designated flood areas may need flood coverage.
- Myrtle Beach properties closer to the ocean often face higher wind exposure and may require separate or specialized wind and hail coverage, plus flood insurance if the property sits in a mapped flood zone.
Helpful resources:
- Check your property’s flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Find official maps and determine whether a lender is likely to require flood coverage: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Learn how flood insurance works and what it covers through the National Flood Insurance Program: FloodSmart by NFIP
- For consumer guidance on homeowners and coastal coverages in South Carolina, review the state’s insurance resources: South Carolina Department of Insurance
Insurance premiums vary by exact address, elevation, construction, age of systems, and mitigation features. Always get quotes for the specific property you are considering.
Utilities and internet
Electric costs are driven by your usage and provider. State-level data provides helpful context on rates and seasonal patterns:
- For snapshots of South Carolina residential electricity trends, see the U.S. Energy Information Administration: EIA South Carolina energy overview
Water, sewer, and trash charges depend on the utility that serves your address. City and county providers use different base rates and usage tiers. Ask the seller or property manager for recent bills to estimate your monthly total.
Remote work readiness:
- Confirm wired broadband options by address using the FCC’s availability tools: FCC Broadband Map
- Compare plan speeds and upload rates if you take video calls or move large files during the day.
Transportation and commute
Conway is inland, so commuting to beach-area employers can add time during peak hours. Living in Myrtle Beach can put you closer to the oceanfront, hospitality, and retail corridors, but tourist traffic can still add delays in season.
Public transit and fares:
- Coast RTA operates bus routes across the Grand Strand and Conway area. Check schedules, coverage, and passes here: Coast RTA
If you commute by car, factor fuel, parking, and vehicle wear into your monthly budget. If you work from home, you may shift more of that cost into your electric and internet bills.
Groceries, dining, and lifestyle
Groceries are generally in line with broader regional trends. Dining and entertainment near the oceanfront can see seasonal pricing shifts due to tourism. Inland, prices and wait times are often more stable.
For context on regional price movements, review the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price data for the Southeast region: BLS Southeast data
Beach life brings easy access to the ocean, boardwalks, and attractions. Inland living offers space, yards, and a quieter pace. Consider what you will use most week to week when you weigh cost against lifestyle.
Who tends to save where
- Families seeking a single-family home and yard: You may stretch your housing dollar further in Conway, and often with lower HOA dues.
- Remote workers prioritizing quiet space and a home office: Conway can deliver more square footage for the budget. Verify broadband at the exact address.
- Condo buyers who want the ocean and on-site amenities: Myrtle Beach offers unmatched selection, but expect higher HOA dues and more complex insurance.
- Investor or second-home buyers: Myrtle Beach’s short-term rental market is larger. Run a full pro forma that includes HOA, insurance, management, and seasonal rate swings.
How to get local cost estimates
Use this simple checklist to build a reliable, apples-to-apples monthly budget for Conway and Myrtle Beach. Repeat the steps for at least two homes or condos in each area.
- Housing and mortgage
- Pull recent median prices and comps in your target neighborhoods using trusted portals and local MLS reports.
- Compute a sample mortgage with the same down payment percentage and interest rate for each option.
- Property taxes
- Look up the latest county tax bill on a recent comparable home near your target property to estimate likely taxes.
- Insurance
- Get at least two homeowners quotes for the exact address. Ask whether wind coverage is included or separate.
- Check the FEMA flood map for the address. If it is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, request NFIP and private flood quotes.
- HOA and assessments
- Review the HOA budget, reserves, and meeting minutes if available.
- Confirm what the dues cover and ask about near-term projects.
- Utilities and internet
- Ask for 12 months of electric and water bills from the seller or property manager.
- Verify wired broadband options and upload speeds for the address.
- Transportation and lifestyle
- Estimate your commute pattern or work-from-home days.
- Build a monthly dining and entertainment budget for each location, noting seasonal changes near the beach.
Bottom line
If you want more space and predictable monthly costs, Conway often delivers strong value. If daily beach access and resort amenities are your priority, Myrtle Beach puts you in the heart of the action but can come with higher HOA and insurance costs. The right choice depends on your routine, your risk comfort, and the exact property.
Ready to compare real homes with line-by-line monthly costs? Book a local planning session with The Kirk Stalvey. You will get property-specific quotes, HOA details, and a clear budget so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What is the biggest cost difference between Conway and Myrtle Beach?
- For many buyers, HOA and insurance can be the biggest spread, especially when comparing inland single-family homes to oceanfront condos.
How do flood zones affect costs near Myrtle Beach?
- Homes in mapped flood zones often require flood insurance, which adds a separate premium; check your exact address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Are utilities similar in Conway and Myrtle Beach?
- Electric rates are comparable statewide, but your usage, home efficiency, and provider drive the bill; water and sewer vary by local utility.
Is Conway a good fit for remote work?
- Yes, if the address has reliable wired broadband; confirm options with the FCC Broadband Map and ask the seller for recent speed tests.
Will I pay more in property taxes in the city versus county?
- Both locations use Horry County’s system, but city millage can differ; verify the final bill using a recent comparable property near your target home.
How does tourism season change everyday costs in Myrtle Beach?
- Expect more seasonal swings in dining, services, and parking near the oceanfront, while inland Conway pricing tends to be more stable year round.
