City Comparison
Hilton Head Island vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hilton Head Island
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
33% lower than in Hilton Head Island.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilton Head Island's average rent is
86% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,880 | $1,546 | +86% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $2,593 | +48% |
| Cost Index | 132 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse 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 $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 43,939 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $94,657 | $47,819 |
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 | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Hilton Head Island.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hilton Head Island | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 41.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x 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 | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,403 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 59.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| 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.
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
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
Syracuse
#361New York, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
57.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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