Beaufort, SC vs Hilton Head Island, SC

The cost of living difference between Beaufort, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC is dramatic. Beaufort is 31.5% cheaper than Hilton Head Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Beaufort has a cost index of 91 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 Beaufort is $1,061/month compared to $1,518/month in Hilton Head Island — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Beaufort is more affordable at $310,400 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Beaufort is $59,454 compared to $96,715 in Hilton Head Island (-38.5%). While Hilton Head Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Beaufort spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Hilton Head Island.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 67.2°F). Hilton Head Island receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 45" in Beaufort.