Two coastal Carolina markets, different counties, different tax structures — the honest 2026 comparison
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Talk to a Specialist →| Factor | Wilmington NC | Myrtle Beach SC |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | NC: 4.5% flat (declining) | SC: graduated up to 6.4%; large retirement exclusion |
| Social Security | Exempt both states | Exempt both states |
| Property tax est. ($500K) | ~$2,500–$3,000 (Brunswick Co.) | ~$900–$1,500 (Horry Co. with 65+ exemptions) |
| 65+ property tax protection | NC homestead exclusion — $38,800 income limit | SC 3-layer: 4% primary ratio + homestead + school mill — strong protection |
| Beach access | Wrightsville Beach 15–25 min | Grand Strand 5–15 min |
| Healthcare | Novant/NHRMC — strong regional | MUSC (Charleston) 90 min; no local academic anchor |
| Community selection | 6 major 55+ communities | 6 major 55+ communities |
| City character | Genuine small city — arts, restaurants, UNCW | Resort corridor — strong amenities, thinner city culture |
| No CDDs | Correct | Correct |
Myrtle Beach wins decisively on property tax — Horry County's 3-layer exemption stack for 65+ buyers produces effective rates far below Brunswick County. Wilmington wins on city character, healthcare access, and beach variety (four distinct beaches within 30 minutes vs a single Grand Strand corridor). For buyers who are purely tax-optimizing on property tax, Myrtle Beach. For buyers who want a genuine city with cultural depth alongside their coastal retirement, Wilmington. Income tax: both states tax IRA draws, but SC's retirement income exclusion often makes SC slightly better at moderate income levels.
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