Hilton Head Island, SC vs North Augusta, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and North Augusta, SC is dramatic. North Augusta is 60.8% 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 North Augusta sits at 83, 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 $1,080/month in North Augusta — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Augusta is more affordable at $220,500 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $90,132 in North Augusta (+7.3%). 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, more than the 14.4% in North Augusta.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 67.1°F). Hilton Head Island receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 44.8" in North Augusta.