salaryRent is higher than in 70% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 6.7 years of household income, so buying is hard for most locals. Commutes are short, about 18.5 minutes. Most homes (78.7%) are owned, so rentals can be hard to find. It is a highly educated city: 56.1% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $80,800 a year. That is $39 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other South Carolina cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of South Carolina. It is number 91 of 101 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Hilton Head Island?
Share of households by yearly income. 38.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Hilton Head Island
| Size | Hilton Head Island | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,233 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,483 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,796 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,132 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,941 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Hilton Head Island overall?
Everyday prices in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal metro area are 2% below the U.S. average (index 98.0, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Hilton Head Island
Life in Hilton Head Island
What jobs pay in Hilton Head Island
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $137,360 | 17.6% |
| Software Developer | $125,760 | 19.3% |
| Physician Assistant | $125,350 | 19.3% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $119,130 | 20.3% |
| Lawyer | $107,740 | 22.5% |
| Operations Manager | $102,770 | 23.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $97,770 | 24.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,660 | 26.7% |
| Civil Engineer | $83,420 | 29.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,400 | 29.8% |
| Accountant | $77,610 | 31.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $71,330 | 34.0% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,990 | 37.3% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,270 | 37.7% |
| Police Officer | $59,240 | 40.9% |
| HVAC Technician | $58,280 | 41.6% |
| Electrician | $57,030 | 42.5% |
| Plumber | $54,870 | 44.2% |
| Truck Driver | $52,530 | 46.1% |
| Firefighter | $50,210 | 48.3% |
| Carpenter | $49,070 | 49.4% |
| Medical Assistant | $43,610 | 55.6% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,730 | 64.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,590 | 64.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $37,040 | 65.4% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,820 | 65.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,880 | 71.5% |
| Cashier | $30,350 | 79.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $19,830 | 122.2% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Hilton Head Island?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $2,750 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $687,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $68,740 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Renting in Hilton Head Island costs a median of about $2,020 a month in 2026, including utilities. The South Carolina median is $1,479.
How much do I need to make to live in Hilton Head Island?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $80,800 a year, or $39 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Hilton Head Island cheap or expensive?
Hilton Head Island is rated OK: rent takes 23.7% of the typical household income of $102,088. It ranks 91st cheapest of 101 South Carolina cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Hilton Head Island?
The median homeowner in Hilton Head Island pays $3,066 a year in property taxes, about 0.45% of the median home value.
Is Hilton Head Island more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 2% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Hilton Head Island?
The median home value in Hilton Head Island is $687,400, about 6.7 times the typical yearly household income.
37,911 people live in Hilton Head Island. Numbers are typical (middle) values.