Hilton Head Island, SC vs Mauldin, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and Mauldin, SC is dramatic. Mauldin is 40.2% 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 Mauldin sits at 95, 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 $1,401/month in Mauldin — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mauldin is more affordable at $242,100 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $81,027 in Mauldin (+19.4%). 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 20.7% in Mauldin.

Climate-wise, Hilton Head Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 63.3°F in Mauldin. Mauldin receives more rainfall at 47" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.