Choosing between Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach in 2026 requires deciding between a high-energy, tourism-driven economy (Myrtle Beach) and a stable, metropolitan-military hub (Virginia Beach).
While both offer beautiful coastlines, the “feel” of living in them is vastly different. Here is the analysis for three income levels, followed by a deep dive into safety and education.
1. The Family of Four
Household Income: $200,000/year
At this income level, you are “upper-middle class” in both cities, but your lifestyle will focus on different priorities.
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Myrtle Beach (The “Resort” Life): You can afford a luxury, custom-built home in a master-planned community like Grande Dunes or The Market Common. For $200k, your purchasing power for a home is massive; $600,000–$800,000 gets you a mini-estate or an Intracoastal Waterway property.
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Virginia Beach (The “Suburban” Life): You will likely look at prestigious neighborhoods like Sandbridge or Great Neck. While your $200k is still very comfortable, home prices are higher (median ~$420k). You will get less “house” than in South Carolina, but you gain access to a more diverse, year-round economy.
The Verdict: Virginia Beach wins for families who prioritize long-term stability and high-performing school districts. Myrtle Beach wins if you want a “vacation every day” lifestyle with a much larger home.
2. The Young Couple
Household Income: $100,000/year
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Myrtle Beach (Affordable Entertainment): You can live very well on $100k here. A modern 1-bedroom apartment near the ocean or in a trendy area like North Myrtle Beach averages ~$1,400. You’ll have significant disposable income for the city’s 90+ golf courses and endless nightlife.
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Virginia Beach (Career & Culture): You’ll likely live near Town Center or the Vibe Creative District. Rent is higher (~$1,800–$2,100), but the job market is much broader, spanning defense, aerospace, and healthcare.
The Verdict: Virginia Beach is better for career growth. Myrtle Beach’s economy is heavily seasonal; if your industry isn’t tourism or real estate, finding high-paying growth roles can be harder.
3. Single Person
Income: $40,000/year
This is the most challenging bracket, as both cities have seen rising costs.
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Myrtle Beach: This is one of the few coastal cities where $40k is still somewhat “survivable.” You can find older apartments for under $1,100 if you look slightly inland.
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Virginia Beach: This is very difficult. With a higher cost of living, you will almost certainly need roommates or a long commute from neighboring Chesapeake or Norfolk.
The Verdict: Myrtle Beach is the winner for affordability. A single person on $40k can maintain independence more easily in South Carolina than in the more expensive Virginia Tidewater area.
Crime Rate Analysis
This is the most significant point of divergence between the two cities.
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Virginia Beach (Consistently Safe): Virginia Beach is perennially ranked as one of the safest large cities in America. In 2024 and 2025, violent crime rates dropped to near-record lows. It has a “safe suburban” feel even in its busier areas.
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Myrtle Beach (Statistical High Crime): On paper, Myrtle Beach often shows a high crime rate (specifically in property and violent crime).
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The Caveat: These stats are often skewed because they compare crimes committed by millions of tourists against a small permanent resident population (~38,000).
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Reality: While North Myrtle Beach and gated communities are very safe, the “downtown” and “South Ocean Blvd” areas struggle with nightlife-related crime and drug-related issues more than Virginia Beach.
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Quality of School Education
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Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS): This is an “A” rated district and is consistently ranked among the top 5 in Virginia. It is known for its specialized academies (STEM, Arts, International Studies) and has graduation rates well above the national average.
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Horry County Schools (Myrtle Beach Area): Also performing well in 2025, with many schools earning “Excellent” ratings from the state. The Scholars Academy in Myrtle Beach was recently ranked as the #1 high school in South Carolina.
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The Verdict: Virginia Beach offers more consistent quality across the entire district. In Myrtle Beach, the quality can vary significantly by neighborhood, making your choice of home location much more critical for schooling.
Summary Comparison Table
| Metric | Myrtle Beach, SC | Virginia Beach, VA |
| Median Home Price | ~$310,000 | ~$421,000 |
| State Income Tax | 0% – 6% (Decreasing) | 2% – 5.75% |
| Safety Ranking | Lower (Tourism-skewed) | Very High (National Top Tier) |
| School Quality | Mixed/Standout Schools | Consistently High |
| Economy | Tourism, Retirement | Military, Tech, Healthcare |
Final Recommendation:
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Move to Virginia Beach if you want the safest environment for your kids and a top-tier public education.
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Move to Myrtle Beach if you want to maximize your square footage and live in a city that feels like a permanent vacation.