What Is City Tax for Myrtle Beach SC? Complete Guide
Learn about Myrtle Beach SC city tax rates, how they apply to your hotel stay, and tips for budgeting your trip with local tax details.
If you are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you might wonder about the city tax and how it affects your hotel stay. Understanding city tax helps you budget better and avoid surprises when booking accommodations. In this guide, I will explain what city tax is, how much it costs in Myrtle Beach, and what you need to know before you travel.
We will also cover how city tax works alongside other taxes, which types of stays it applies to, and some tips to save money on your lodging. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, knowing about Myrtle Beach’s city tax will help you plan your trip smoothly.
What Is City Tax in Myrtle Beach?
City tax in Myrtle Beach is a local tax charged on lodging accommodations. It is a fee collected by hotels, motels, and other short-term rental properties. This tax is added to your hotel bill and helps fund city services and tourism-related projects.
The city tax is separate from state and county taxes. It is specific to Myrtle Beach and applies only to stays within the city limits. This tax is sometimes called a hotel tax, lodging tax, or accommodation tax.
The tax is charged per night of your stay.
It is a percentage of your room rate or a flat fee, depending on local rules.
Hotels and rental owners collect the tax and send it to the city government.
Understanding this tax is important because it adds to the total cost of your lodging. It is not included in the base room rate you see when booking online.
How Much Is the City Tax in Myrtle Beach?
The city tax rate in Myrtle Beach is currently 1% of the room rate. This is in addition to other taxes that apply to hotel stays. While 1% might seem low, it adds up when combined with other taxes.
Here is a breakdown of taxes you can expect on your hotel bill in Myrtle Beach:
City Tax: 1% of the room rate.
State Sales Tax: South Carolina charges 6% sales tax on lodging.
County Hospitality Tax: Horry County adds 2% hospitality tax.
Accommodations Tax: Myrtle Beach charges an additional 2% accommodations tax.
When you add these together, the total tax on your hotel stay can be around 11% or more. For example, if your room costs $100 per night, you might pay about $11 in taxes, including the city tax.
Which Stays Are Subject to City Tax?
The city tax applies to most short-term lodging options in Myrtle Beach. This includes:
Hotels and motels within city limits.
Vacation rentals and condos rented for less than 90 days.
Bed and breakfasts and inns.
Long-term rentals or stays longer than 90 days usually do not have city tax applied. Also, some government or nonprofit stays may be exempt.
When booking, check if the property is located inside Myrtle Beach city limits. If you stay outside the city, the city tax may not apply, but county or state taxes still will.
How Is City Tax Collected and Paid?
The city tax is collected by the lodging provider at check-in or check-out. You will see it listed as a separate charge on your hotel bill. The hotel or rental owner then sends the collected tax to the Myrtle Beach city government.
As a traveler, you do not need to pay the tax directly to the city. It is included in your total bill. However, it is good to know about it so you can compare prices accurately when booking.
Why Does Myrtle Beach Charge City Tax?
Myrtle Beach uses city tax revenue to support local services and tourism infrastructure. The funds help maintain public beaches, parks, and attractions that visitors enjoy. They also support marketing efforts to attract more tourists to the area.
City tax helps keep Myrtle Beach a clean, safe, and welcoming destination. It also contributes to road maintenance, public safety, and cultural events that benefit both visitors and residents.
Tips to Manage City Tax Costs on Your Trip
While you cannot avoid city tax if you stay in Myrtle Beach, you can plan to manage the costs better. Here are some tips:
Compare total prices: Look at the full price including all taxes before booking.
Consider longer stays: Some properties offer discounts for longer stays, which can lower the average tax per night.
Book outside city limits: If you want to avoid city tax, consider accommodations just outside Myrtle Beach, but check transportation options.
Use vacation rental platforms: Some rentals include taxes in the price, so confirm with hosts before booking.
Look for package deals: Sometimes booking flights and hotels together can save money overall.
How City Tax Affects Your Vacation Budget
City tax adds to your lodging cost, so it is important to include it in your vacation budget. Even a small percentage can add up if you stay several nights or book multiple rooms.
For example, a 5-night stay at a $120 per night hotel room with 11% total taxes means you pay about $66 extra in taxes. Knowing this helps you avoid surprises when you check out.
Plan your budget by:
Checking hotel websites for tax details.
Using online calculators to estimate total costs.
Setting aside extra funds for taxes and fees.
Popular Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Their Tax Policies
Most well-known hotels in Myrtle Beach clearly state their tax rates during booking. Some popular options include:
Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa: Charges city tax plus state and county taxes.
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort: Includes all taxes in the final price shown at booking.
Holiday Inn Resort Myrtle Beach: Lists city tax separately on bills.
When booking, always review the final price breakdown. Some hotels offer all-inclusive rates that cover taxes, while others add taxes at checkout.
Other Taxes and Fees to Know in Myrtle Beach
Besides city tax, you may encounter other taxes and fees on your hotel bill:
State Sales Tax (6%): Applies to most goods and services, including lodging.
County Hospitality Tax (2%): Charged by Horry County on accommodations.
Accommodations Tax (2%): Charged by Myrtle Beach for tourism support.
Resort Fees: Some hotels charge daily resort fees for amenities like pools and Wi-Fi.
Always check your booking details to understand all charges before confirming your stay.
How to Find City Tax Information When Booking
To find city tax details when booking your stay in Myrtle Beach:
Check the hotel or rental website’s pricing section.
Look for a detailed price breakdown during online booking.
Contact the property directly to ask about taxes and fees.
Use travel booking sites that show taxes clearly before payment.
Knowing the tax rates upfront helps you compare options and avoid surprises.
Conclusion
City tax in Myrtle Beach, SC, is a small but important fee added to your lodging bill. At 1%, it helps fund city services and tourism projects that keep Myrtle Beach a great place to visit. When combined with state and county taxes, expect about 11% total tax on your hotel stay.
By understanding city tax and other fees, you can better plan your vacation budget and choose accommodations wisely. Always check the full price including taxes before booking. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your Myrtle Beach trip without unexpected costs.
FAQ
What is the current city tax rate in Myrtle Beach?
The city tax rate in Myrtle Beach is 1% of the lodging room rate. This is charged in addition to state and county taxes.
Does city tax apply to all types of lodging in Myrtle Beach?
City tax applies to most short-term stays like hotels, motels, and vacation rentals under 90 days within city limits.
Are city taxes included in online hotel prices?
Not always. Some booking sites show taxes separately. Always check the final price breakdown before booking.
Can I avoid city tax by staying outside Myrtle Beach?
Yes, if you stay outside the city limits, you may avoid city tax but still pay county and state taxes.
Why does Myrtle Beach charge a city tax on hotels?
The city tax funds local services, tourism marketing, and maintenance of public attractions to support visitors and residents.
