Cost of Myrtle Beach in 2025 – What You’ll Actually Pay
Most people think a beach holiday is just sun, sand and a few dollars. In reality the numbers add up fast, especially if you don’t know where the hidden costs hide. Below is a straight‑forward breakdown of every major expense you’ll face on a typical Myrtle Beach visit.
Flights dominate the budget for most travelers. From the UK, a round‑trip ticket in 2025 ranges between £500 and £900 depending on the airline, travel dates and whether you fly from a major hub. Booking three months ahead or hunting for mid‑week deals can shave off 15‑20% of the price. Don’t forget to factor in bag fees – most low‑cost carriers charge £30‑£50 per checked bag.
Accommodation is the next big line item. Hotels near the boardwalk average £120‑£180 per night for a double room, while vacation rentals cost £90‑£130 per night for a two‑bedroom unit. If you travel in the shoulder season (April‑May or September‑October) you can find rates 25% lower, and many places offer free parking, which saves about £10‑£15 per day.
Food and drink can swing wildly. A beachfront restaurant breakfast is about £12, lunch £15‑£20 and dinner £25‑£35 per person. If you mix in groceries and cook at your rental, you’ll drop the daily food bill to around £30‑£35 for two people. Remember to budget for a few drinks – a beer costs £4‑£5, a cocktail £7‑£9.
Ground transportation adds up if you rent a car. A compact car runs about £25 per day, plus fuel at roughly £1.40 per litre. Rideshare services average £12‑£18 per trip from the airport to the beach area. Parking in the city centre can cost £10‑£15 per day, but many hotels include it for free.
Activities and entertainment are where many families overspend. A day pass to the popular amusement park is £50 per adult and £40 per child. Water‑sport rentals (jet‑ski, paddleboard) range £30‑£60 per hour. On the bright side, the boardwalk has free street performers, and the beach itself is free. Plan at least one free day to stretch your budget.
Hidden fees are easy to miss. The city levies a 6% tourist tax on hotel bills, and some restaurants add a 10% service charge. If you rent beach chairs or umbrellas, expect £5‑£10 per set per day. Factor in tips – £2‑£3 per server is customary.
How to Trim the Budget Without Missing Out
First, travel in the off‑peak months – everything from flights to rentals drops by 20‑30%. Second, use price‑comparison apps for hotels and look for “pay later” deals that waive the booking fee. Third, embrace free attractions: sunrise walks, local markets and public parks cost nothing and still give you that vacation vibe.
Quick Budget Calculator – 5‑Day Example
Flights: £700
Accommodation (5 nights, mid‑range rental): £500
Food (self‑cooked + occasional eating out): £200
Car rental + fuel: £150
Activities (2 park days, 1 water‑sport hour): £180
Taxes, tips, misc.: £120
Total estimate: £1,850
This figure shows a typical family of two adults and two kids can enjoy a full Myrtle Beach experience for under £2,000 in 2025. Adjust the numbers to fit your group size and you’ll have a clear picture of what you need to save.
Now that you know where the money goes, planning becomes a lot less stressful. Grab a spreadsheet, plug in your dates, and start looking for the best deals. Your beach getaway is waiting – just make sure the budget works for you first.
