Cost of Living in Hilton Head Island, SC
Population 37,805 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Hilton Head Island run well above the national baseline, with a median of $652,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $96,715 place the city among the better-paid South Carolina metros. An unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Hilton Head Island is about 30 miles east of Savannah, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 190% higher than Savannah's $225,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hilton Head Island
The median home value in Hilton Head Island is $652,100 — 114% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,518/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,715/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 76.8°F and lows of 57.6°F. Overall, Hilton Head Island has a cost of living index of 174 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 74% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 78 | 69 | 63 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 49 | 56 | 64 | 71 | 75 | 74 | 70 | 59 | 48 | 43 |
| Precip" | 2.90 | 2.91 | 3.11 | 3.06 | 2.50 | 4.99 | 5.57 | 6.50 | 4.03 | 3.77 | 2.51 | 3.17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Hilton Head Island has a cost index of 174 (100 = national average). It is 74% above the national average.
What is average rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
The median gross rent in Hilton Head Island is $1,518 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hilton Head Island?
The median home value in Hilton Head Island is $652,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hilton Head Island?
The median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hilton Head Island, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hilton Head Island is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Hilton Head Island, SC affordable?
Hilton Head Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 174 — about 74% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 57.6°F. Annual precipitation is 45". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hilton Head Island at a Glance
- Population
- 37,805
- Median Income
- $96,715
- Home Value
- $652,100
- Median Rent
- $1,518/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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South Carolina Rankings
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