Bluffton, SC vs Hilton Head Island, SC

Bluffton, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Bluffton scores 136 while Hilton Head Island scores 133 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bluffton is $2,187/month compared to $1,518/month in Hilton Head Island — a 44% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hilton Head Island has cheaper rent, Bluffton actually has lower median home values ($444,500 vs $652,100).

Median household income in Bluffton is $105,463 compared to $96,715 in Hilton Head Island (+9%). While Bluffton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bluffton spend roughly 24.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Hilton Head Island.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.5°F vs 67.2°F). Bluffton receives more rainfall at 48.1" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.