Hilton Head Island, SC vs Summerville, SC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Summerville is 29.8% cheaper than Hilton Head Island. With a cost index of 103 vs 133, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Summerville to Hilton Head Island should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hilton Head Island is $1,518/month compared to $1,414/month in Summerville — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Summerville is more affordable at $295,700 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $78,621 in Summerville (+23%). The higher salaries in Hilton Head Island partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hilton Head Island spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 21.6% in Summerville.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 66.5°F). Summerville receives more rainfall at 52.5" per year compared to 45" in Hilton Head Island.