Hilton Head Island, SC vs Myrtle Beach, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC is dramatic. Myrtle Beach is 39.1% 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 Myrtle Beach 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 $1,132/month in Myrtle Beach — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Myrtle Beach is more affordable at $347,700 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $53,679 in Myrtle Beach (+80.2%). 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 Hilton Head Island spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 25.3% in Myrtle Beach.

Climate-wise, Hilton Head Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 64°F in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach receives more rainfall at 48.5" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.