City Comparison
Hilton Head Island vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hilton Head Island scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hilton Head Island
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
38% lower than in Hilton Head Island.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilton Head Island's average rent is
104% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,880 | $1,412 | +104% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $130 | $126 | +3% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $135 | +78% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $2,404 | +60% |
| Cost Index | 132 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hilton Head Island is estimated at
$62,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 43,939 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $94,657 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hilton Head Island runs warmer on average — a 67.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hilton Head Island comes out ahead with 237 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hilton Head Island sees 7.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 67.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 44.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 50.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 7.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 237 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hilton Head Island has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 41.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Hilton Head Island is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hilton Head Island has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,403 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 59.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hilton Head Island
Advantages
Pristine environment featuring over 12 miles of Atlantic beachfront and strict conservation codes protecting the natural canopy.
Exceptional community safety with crime rates significantly lower than the South Carolina state average.
World-class recreational infrastructure including over 60 miles of bike paths and dozens of championship golf courses.
High level of educational attainment with over 56% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Robust local healthcare access anchored by Novant Health Hilton Head Medical Center and specialized outpatient facilities.
Drawbacks
High cost of living and housing prices that far exceed national averages, limiting affordability for entry-level workers.
Significant seasonal traffic congestion along primary corridors during peak summer tourism months.
Higher median age can result in fewer traditional family-oriented public school infrastructures compared to metro mainland areas.
Vulnerability to seasonal tropical weather events and hurricanes typical of the South Carolina coast.
Limited public transportation network, resulting in high car dependency for daily commuting and errands.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hilton Head Island
#450South Carolina, USA
55.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,880
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
132
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
41.0/100
Sunny Days
237/yr
Avg Temp
67.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.54%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
82
Business
70
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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