Expenses: Brunswick Co., NC vs Horry Co., SC (Charlotte: renters, car insurance)

[gs70119]

I have the opportunity for a position in Little River, SC, and am curious about the expense differences in residing in SC vs NC.

1. I have read on the MB forum that electricity costs are high in Horry County, SC. How do they compare to Brunswick Co., NC?
2. What are the differences in other utilities?
3. I remember when my father lived in Charlotte, he commented on how expensive auto insurance is in SC. Are auto insurance costs less in NC?
4. Any other expense related concerns?

Single male. No children. I will be renting, so homeowners is not a concern. Appreciate any information. Thanks.

[BC1960]

Its my understanding that Horry Electrical Coop (SC) has a per KwH charge of about 12 cents, and Brunswick EMC's is about 10 cents. But I think Brunswick has a higher base facility charge, so I don't think the difference is huge for most people.

In general, car insurance is about 20% cheaper in NC than SC, but I'm sure every individual case is different.

I don't think any of these costs are enough to influence where you live.

[LLN]

I would focus on home insurance costs and wind/hail. Those are much bigger hits than electricity! Good Luck.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by gs70119

I have the opportunity for a position in Little River, SC,
and am curious about the expense differences in residing in SC vs NC.
Single male. No children. I will be renting.

Appreciate any information.

Housing (rent/utilities/etc) is the single biggest variable between any two places.
All the rest pretty much comes out in the wash (incl renters insurance).

Do you know what the job wages are? What the NET weekly paycheck should be?
How many weekly checks are you willing to spend each month on housing?

What sort of situation can you put together there using only ONE check each month?

[gs70119]

Originally Posted by MrRational

What sort of situation can you put together there using only ONE check each month?

As a general rule, no one should expend more than 1/3 of income on housing costs. The less the better if satisfied with the living environment. The salary is known to me. Needing this information to subtract these expenses to determine maximum monthly rent and more broadly if this would be a postive, neutral or negative change financially.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by gs70119

As (AN ABSOLUTE) rule, no one should expend more than 1/3 of income on housing costs.

I'm suggesting 23%. Including utilities. Of NET.
12/52's One net WEEKLY check to cover the MONTHLY housing costs.

That NET is after payroll taxes and anything else you have deducted.

The salary is known to me.

Good. Don't forget the 401K, IRA and any other PRETAX deductions you take.

Do the math and see where the numbers leave you.
Then see what padmapper and craigslist show to be available in that range.

[gs70119]

Thanks for the advice Dad, but it's too late. I'm 56.