01 · the cities
Wilmington
Wilmington has been called 'Hollywood East' for the volume of film and TV produced here (Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, and dozens of features). The historic riverfront on the Cape Fear is genuinely charming, and Wrightsville Beach is 15 minutes away. The food scene punches above its weight, especially seafood. UNCW keeps it youthful. A coastal city with both beach and downtown charm.
full dispatch→Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the Grand Strand's anchor, with 60 miles of beach, more than 80 mini golf courses (it might be the mini golf capital of America), and a boardwalk packed with arcades and pancake houses. Calabash-style fried seafood is a thing. It's a family beach town, full stop, with affordable oceanfront and easy access to Charleston a few hours south.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,675/mo
$1,727/mo
$52/mo more than Wilmington (3%)
Median home price
Median home price
$448k
$361k
$87k less than Wilmington
State income tax
State income tax
4.5%
6.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,283/mo
$6,065/mo
Wilmington has $218/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
235 days
249 days
14 more than Wilmington
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
0 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
1 days
0 days
days below 20°F per year
Myrtle Beach edges ahead on pleasant days, but both cities have comparable comfort overall.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
54 / 100
58 / 100
4.0 pts ahead of Wilmington
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
5 routes
23 routes
18 more direct routes than Wilmington
Metro size
Metro size
467k metro
397k metro
Wilmington has 1.2x fewer events per month than Myrtle Beach.
the verdict
3
Wilmington
categories won
4
Myrtle Beach
categories won
Myrtle Beach wins on weather and lifestyle. Wilmington has the edge on money.
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