Hilton Head Island, SC vs Sumter, SC

The cost of living difference between Hilton Head Island, SC and Sumter, SC is dramatic. Sumter is 71% 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 Sumter sits at 78, 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 $1,055/month in Sumter — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumter is more affordable at $188,400 median vs $652,100.

Median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (+82.2%). 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 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 65.5°F). Hilton Head Island receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.