Hilton Head Island, SC vs Spartanburg, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and Spartanburg, SC is dramatic. Spartanburg is 69.6% 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 Spartanburg sits at 79, 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 $1,043/month in Spartanburg — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spartanburg is more affordable at $185,300 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $51,193 in Spartanburg (+88.9%). 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 24.4% in Spartanburg.

Climate-wise, Hilton Head Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 61.3°F in Spartanburg. Spartanburg receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.