Hilton Head Island, SC

Very High · 142

South Carolina · Population 37,805 · Updated March 2026

$1,518
Median Rent / Month
$96,715
Median Income
$652,100
Median Home Value
$1,520
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Hilton Head Island

18.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in South Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.57%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$18,216
Annual Rent
$6,190
State Income Tax
$3,717
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Hilton Head Island has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 142 (where 100 equals the national median), Hilton Head Island residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,518/month while earning a median household income of $96,715/year.

The median home value in Hilton Head Island, SC is $652,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,520 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Hilton Head Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Hilton Head Island

What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island, SC?
The cost of living index in Hilton Head Island, SC is 142 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,518, median household income is $96,715/year, and the median home value is $652,100.
Is Hilton Head Island, SC affordable?
No, Hilton Head Island is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 142. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
The median gross rent in Hilton Head Island, SC is $1,518 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $18,216.
What is the median household income in Hilton Head Island?
The median household income in Hilton Head Island, SC is $96,715 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a top income tax rate of 6.4%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.57%.