Hilton Head Island, SC vs Mount Pleasant, SC

Hilton Head Island is moderately more affordable than Mount Pleasant, with a 12.2% lower cost of living index. Hilton Head Island scores 133 compared to 152 for Mount Pleasant, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mount Pleasant can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hilton Head Island is $1,518/month compared to $2,026/month in Mount Pleasant — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hilton Head Island is more affordable at $652,100 median vs $667,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $121,364 in Mount Pleasant (-20.3%). While Mount Pleasant is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hilton Head Island spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Mount Pleasant.

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 44.3" in Mount Pleasant.