Hilton Head Island, SC vs Lexington, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and Lexington, SC is dramatic. Lexington is 38.5% cheaper than Hilton Head Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hilton Head Island has a cost index of 133 while Lexington sits at 96, 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 Hilton Head Island is $1,518/month compared to $1,360/month in Lexington — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lexington is more affordable at $271,200 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $83,263 in Lexington (+16.2%). Hilton Head Island does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Hilton Head Island spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.6% in Lexington.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 64.3°F). Lexington receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.