Aiken, SC vs Hilton Head Island, SC
The cost of living difference between Aiken, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC is dramatic. Aiken is 32.6% cheaper than Hilton Head Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Aiken has a cost index of 90 while Hilton Head Island sits at 133, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.
On the housing front, median rent in Aiken is $1,199/month compared to $1,518/month in Hilton Head Island — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Aiken is more affordable at $261,800 median vs $652,100.
Median household income in Aiken is $69,837 compared to $96,715 in Hilton Head Island (-27.8%). The higher salaries in Hilton Head Island partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Aiken spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Hilton Head Island.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.4°F vs 67.2°F). Hilton Head Island receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 44.1" in Aiken.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)