Factors that influence moving costs from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach
Moving from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chattanooga than in Myrtle Beach, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chattanooga compares to Myrtle Beach so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chattanooga | Myrtle Beach | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,850 |
Average home value | $302,565 | $299,556 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $53,985 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $2,388 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $4,791 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.6% |
Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Myrtle Beach are 25% higher than in Chattanooga, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices are the same in Myrtle Beach and Chattanooga.
- Income in Myrtle Beach is 10.3% lower than in Chattanooga, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Myrtle Beach include Grand Strand Medical Center, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, and Sands Resorts.
- The cost of living for a single person in Myrtle Beach is 27.6% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Myrtle Beach is 10.1% higher than in Chattanooga.
- The unemployment rate in Myrtle Beach is 35.71% higher than in Chattanooga.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Myrtle Beach, since the cityโs sales taxes in Myrtle Beach are 2.70% lower than in Chattanooga.
- State income taxes in Myrtle Beach are 7.00% higher than in Chattanooga.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,170.91 in Myrtle Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Population | 35,682 | 181,099 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 43 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 35 |
Crime Index | 58.06 | 53.89 |
Safety Index | 41.94 | 46.11 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Myrtle Beach's population is about 80% less than Chattanooga.
- Myrtle Beach's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's higher score of 3.
- Myrtle Beach is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Myrtle Beach is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Myrtle Beach's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 58.06 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Myrtle Beach is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 41.94 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
- Air quality in Myrtle Beach is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga vs. Myrtle Beach move
- Weather: May, October and April are the most pleasant months in Myrtle Beach and ideal time to move. Heat can be a main consideration you might want to look at when you're deciding to move to Myrtle Beach.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While South Carolina doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Myrtle Beach without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Myrtle Beach
With your sights set on "New Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Myrtle Beach.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- The Market Common
- Carolina Forest
- Grande Dunes
- Pine Lakes
- Windy Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carolina Forest
- The Market Common
- Grande Dunes
- Forestbrook
- Barefoot Resort
Things to do in Myrtle Beach
After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Myrtle Beach has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Myrtle Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum, Wheels of Yesteryear, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Myrtle Beach State Park, Grand Strand, Savannah's Playground, and Horry County Bike Run Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chattanooga to Myrtle Beach take?
The 480-mile journey from Chattanooga, TN to Myrtle Beach, SC typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Chattanooga offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Myrtle Beach.