| Index | Hilton Head Island | South Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 139 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 233 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 98 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hilton Head Island is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Hilton Head Island is 139, which is 39% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Hilton Head Island is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Hilton Head Island falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Hilton Head Island cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 133% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Hilton Head Island affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Hilton Head Island, the median home price is 172.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 40.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Hilton Head Island boasting a median household income of $128,100, 57.5% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Hilton Head Island, healthcare costs are 3.7% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Hilton Head Island, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Hilton Head Island, the utilities index is 3.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Hilton Head Island shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $148,068 | $12,339 | $3,455 | $4,442 |
| Renters | $66,905 | $5,575 | $1,561 | $2,007 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| South Carolina | 6% | 9% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| South Carolina | 0% | 6.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Shell Point, SC | 3,074 | 98 | 1.6% |
| Port Royal, SC | 13,654 | 110 | 9.9% |
| Wilmington Island, GA | 16,119 | 114 | 13.7% |
| Bluffton, SC | 23,896 | 120 | 19.9% |
| Talahi Island, GA | 1,262 | 136 | 36.2% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 41,077 | 139 | 38.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Marion, IA | 41,096 | 94 | 5.8% |
| La Puente, CA | 41,123 | 144 | 44.2% |
| Calexico, CA | 41,129 | 115 | 14.6% |
| Montclair, CA | 41,014 | 139 | 38.5% |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 135 | 35.2% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 41,077 | 139 | 38.7% |
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