Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are both coastal South Carolina retirement destinations. They share the same SC state tax structure — no Social Security income tax, no state income tax on retirement income, the same 4% primary residence assessment ratio, the same 65+ homestead exemption framework. The similarities largely end there.
Hilton Head (specifically Bluffton) is a premium market. The median 55+ home price runs $100K–$300K higher than comparable Myrtle Beach communities. The communities — Sun City Hilton Head, Latitude Margaritaville, The Haven — are larger and more amenity-dense. The lifestyle is distinctly Lowcountry: moss-draped oaks, marshes, quieter than Myrtle Beach, with Savannah 35 minutes south for major-city access. Myrtle Beach is louder, more resort-flavored, with 60 miles of coastline, more entertainment options, and communities that deliver comparable or better value at lower price points.
| Factor | Myrtle Beach Grand Strand | Hilton Head / Bluffton |
|---|---|---|
| Median 55+ home price | ~$280K–$450K | ~$380K–$650K |
| HOA range | ~$100–$320/mo | ~$224–$375/mo |
| Largest 55+ community | Bridgewater (1,550 homes) | Sun City Hilton Head (8,000+ homes) |
| Golf courses (on-site) | None in covered communities | 54 holes at Sun City HH |
| Beach proximity | 5–35 min depending on community | 20–40 min (most communities) |
| Nearest major airport | Myrtle Beach (MYR) — 15 min | Savannah (SAV) — 35 min |
| Lifestyle character | Resort, entertainment, beaches | Lowcountry, golf, quieter |
| Property tax county | Horry County | Beaufort County |
| Property tax (65+ primary, $450K) | ~$1,400–$1,800 | ~$1,250–$1,600 |
| State income tax | SC — no tax on SS, low retirement income tax | SC — identical rules |
Both counties use the same SC framework — 4% primary ratio, $50K homestead for 65+, school mill exemption for primary residents. The millage rates differ modestly. Beaufort County has somewhat lower non-school millage than Horry County, which generally produces slightly lower tax bills at comparable home prices. However, since Hilton Head home prices are higher, the actual annual tax bill is typically comparable or slightly higher in Hilton Head than in comparable Myrtle Beach communities.
The practical difference is small enough that property tax should not drive the decision between these two markets. Both offer dramatically better tax treatment than any northern state the typical buyer is moving from.
A $500,000 budget gets you to Del Webb Grande Dunes, Del Webb North Myrtle Beach, or Cresswind in the Grand Strand market — communities with full amenity packages, HOPA certification where relevant, and genuine resort or walkable-urban lifestyle. The same $500,000 budget at Hilton Head gets you into The Haven at New Riverside (Bluffton), the lower end of Sun City Hilton Head, or the bottom of Latitude Margaritaville's price range. The amenity depth per dollar is generally higher in Myrtle Beach.
At $650,000+, the Hilton Head market opens up significantly — Sun City Hilton Head's full range, Four Seasons Carolina Oaks, and the better sections of Latitude Margaritaville all become accessible. Buyers with that budget should genuinely compare both markets.
Golf. Sun City Hilton Head has 54 holes of on-site golf built into the community. No community on the Grand Strand comes close. For serious golfers who want their courses built into their neighborhood rather than nearby, Hilton Head is the answer and the price premium is justified. For everyone else, Myrtle Beach's 80+ public and semi-private courses — accessible to any community resident who wants to play — deliver comparable golf access without the Sun City HOA premium.
We cover Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head in depth. Tell us your priorities and budget — we will tell you which market fits better.
Talk to a Specialist