City Comparison
Hilton Head Island vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Eugene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hilton Head Island
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Eugene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
41% lower than in Hilton Head Island.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilton Head Island's average rent is
60% higher than Eugene's.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,880 | $1,800 | +60% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $90 | +44% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $2,290 | +68% |
| Cost Index | 132 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hilton Head Island offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $94,657 | $66,562 |
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 | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Hilton Head Island scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hilton Head Island leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 41.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Hilton Head Island.
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 | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,403 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 59.8 | 35.2 |
| 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.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
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
Eugene
#297Oregon, USA
61.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Hilton Head Island and Eugene.
Open Cost Calculator