City Comparison
Hilton Head Island vs North Charleston
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
North Charleston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
North Charleston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Hilton Head Island.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilton Head Island's average rent is
54% higher than North Charleston's.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | North Charleston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,880 | $1,870 | +54% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $2,870 | +34% |
| Cost Index | 132 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
North Charleston offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, North Charleston 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 $55,000 in North Charleston.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | North Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 43,939 idx | 68,421 idx |
| Household Income | $94,657 | $62,956 |
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 | North Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| 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
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to North Charleston.
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 | North Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 26.0/100 |
| Walkability | 41.0/100 | 39.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
North Charleston is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Hilton Head Island.
From a growth perspective, North Charleston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, North Charleston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | North Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,403 | 131,980 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 2.12% |
| Median Age | 59.8 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.30% |
| 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.
North Charleston
Advantages
More affordable housing and cost of living compared to downtown Charleston.
Growing job market with diverse industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Strategic location with excellent access to major transportation routes and the Port of Charleston.
Good quality of life with a variety of amenities, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Slight moderation in price growth in the housing market, leading to a more balanced environment for buyers.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to the South Carolina and national averages.
Car-dependent transportation system with lower walkability and transit scores.
Wages have not kept pace with the rapid increase in rental costs in some areas.
While stabilizing, the housing market has seen significant price appreciation in recent years.
Some population groups face greater challenges accessing employment within the city.
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
North Charleston
#514South Carolina, USA
51.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,870
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
26.0/100
Walkability
39.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.12%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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