2026 Coastal Build Value • Myrtle Beach vs Charleston vs Wilmington

2026 Coastal Build Value Face-Off

Explore how Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Wilmington stack up on build costs, lifestyle ROI, insurance, rentals, and long-term appreciation—through a Grand Strand lens.

2026 Value Snapshot • Myrtle Beach leads overall
Build Cost per Sq. Ft. (Relative)
$
Lower = more home for your budget
Lifestyle ROI Score
8.7 / 10
Access, amenities, and everyday “feel”
Insurance & Risk Pressure
Low–Moderate
Inland builds help tame premiums
Investor & STR Flexibility
High
Regulations, demand, and occupancy outlook
2026 Lifestyle ROI Radar Myrtle Beach Focus
Beach Access
Walkability & Everyday Amenities
HOA / Cost Efficiency
Dining & Entertainment
8.7 / 10
Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet drive Myrtle Beach’s 2026 lifestyle score.

Cost-Per-Square-Foot Comparison

Myrtle Beach holds the value edge in 2026

Lower relative build cost means more room for upgrades—larger kitchens, outdoor living, and better finishes— without Charleston-level premiums.

Myrtle Beach
Wilmington
Charleston
Myrtle Beach: regional “value king” along the Grand Strand
Wilmington: bridge market between affordability and premium
Charleston: luxury-anchored, highest build premiums

Insurance & Risk Heat Zones

Hover or tap a card for 2026 context
Coolest Zone
Myrtle Beach Inland (Carolina Forest)

Among the most favorable insurance pockets on the Carolina coast when you build just off the oceanfront.

2026 takeaway: consider Grand Strand inland corridors for lower premiums + strong lifestyle.
Warm Zone
Wilmington River & Beach Areas

Moderate premiums around the Cape Fear River and Carolina Beach; risk-sensitive locations matter.

2026: premiums trend upward but still below Charleston’s hottest waterfront spots.
Hot Zone
Charleston Coastal & Historic

Highest insurance pressure of the three, especially in historic and direct-waterfront locations.

2026: budget for premium coverage when targeting Charleston’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Investor Flexibility & Lifestyle Slider

Short-term rentals + everyday livability in 2026
9.1
Investor Flexibility
Myrtle Beach • STR-friendly in designated zones, deep tourism demand.
Wilmington • Balanced mix of local and visitor demand, evolving rules.
Charleston • Strong long-term demand, but tight STR regulations.
Adjust: Lifestyle Priority Everyday living + value

At this setting, Myrtle Beach emerges as the top choice for people who want daily convenience, affordability, and access to beaches without overpaying on build costs.

Final Verdict Stack

2026 Build Value Rankings at a Glance
Overall Winner • 2026 Coastal Build Value

Myrtle Beach — Grand Strand Value Champion

The best blend of build cost, lifestyle ROI, insurance efficiency, and investor flexibility.

  • Lower cost-per-square-foot vs. Charleston & Wilmington.
  • Inland options like Carolina Forest help keep insurance tame.
  • Investor-friendly structure with clear STR zones and deep tourism base.
  • Steady appreciation outlook heading into and through 2026.
2026 Ranking Overview Tap a city for why it landed there.
🥇 Rank 1
Myrtle Beach
Best overall build value
🥈 Rank 2
Wilmington
Balanced but rising costs
🥉 Rank 3
Charleston
Premium market, premium pricing
Myrtle Beach tops the 2026 list because it gives you the most square footage, the most everyday convenience, and the most investor flexibility for every dollar you put into a new build—especially around the Grand Strand, Carolina Forest, and Market Common.

Note: Relative scores are illustrative and designed to help buyers, investors, and retirees compare the three markets at a glance for 2026 planning.