Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Surfside Beach?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Surfside Beach, you need to earn at least $59,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $69,375, which means the typical resident is $9,695 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,179

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,044	$3,480	$41,760	$-27,615
1 Bedroom	$1,238	$4,127	$49,520	$-19,855
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,492	$4,973	$59,680	$-9,695
3 Bedroom	$1,820	$6,067	$72,800	+$3,425
4 Bedroom	$2,238	$7,460	$89,520	+$20,145

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Surfside Beach's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$69,375

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$59,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,695

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Surfside Beach

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Surfside Beach's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,734

Studio

$1,044/mo

1 BR

$1,238/mo

2 BR

$1,492/mo

3 BR

$1,820/mo

4 BR

$2,238/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Surfside Beach.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Surfside Beach's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Surfside Beach

Renting in Surfside Beach, South Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $59,680/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $69,375, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,238/month) or studio ($1,044/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Surfside Beach pushes the required income to $72,800.

For comfortable living in Surfside Beach without financial stress, target a household income of at least $89,520 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for South Carolina's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

With a total population of 4,179, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,668 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $59,680 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

1,668

Active civilian employees in Surfside Beach

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Surfside Beach

What salary do I need to live in Surfside Beach, South Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Surfside Beach under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $59,680. The median household income in Surfside Beach is $69,375.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Surfside Beach on $69,375?

The affordability verdict for Surfside Beach is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.8%, meaning median earners have a $9,695 surplus.

What is the average rent in Surfside Beach compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Surfside Beach is $1,238/month. With a median household income of $69,375, residents spend approximately 25.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Surfside Beach?

A studio in Surfside Beach rents for approximately $1,044/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,760 to afford this.

Is Surfside Beach considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,695 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Surfside Beach is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $59,680 to the local median household income.

How Surfside Beach Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements