Travel Budget for Hilton Head Island Visit Hilton Head Island on a Budget or Travel in Style

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The South / South Carolina /
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Hilton Head Island is a peaceful coastal town known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Hilton Head Island and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine or relaxing on the beaches.

How much does it cost to travel to Hilton Head Island?

You should plan to spend around $287 per day on your vacation in Hilton Head Island. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $105 on meals
  • $34 on local transportation
  • $257 on hotels

A one week trip to Hilton Head Island for two people costs, on average, $4,018. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $287
  • One Week Per person
    $2,009
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,018
  • One Month Per person
    $8,610
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,018
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $8,036
  • One Month For a couple
    $17,220
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hilton Head Island cost?

A one week trip to Hilton Head Island usually costs around $2,009 for one person and $4,018 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Hilton Head Island on average costs around $4,018 for one person and $8,036 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hilton Head Island will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Hilton Head Island on average costs around $8,610 for one person and $17,220 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Hilton Head Island expensive to visit?

Hilton Head Island is a great coastal town that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

Hilton Head Island can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.

On average, budget travelers spend $140 per day, mid-range travelers spend $287 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $568 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hilton Head Island.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Hilton Head Island is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Martha's Vineyard or Houston.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Hilton Head Island?

The average Hilton Head Island trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hilton Head Island travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hilton Head Island cost?

Hilton Head Island on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$53 $129 $286
Local Transportation 1 $15 $34 $66
Food 2 $45 $105 $204
Entertainment 1 $9.31 $23 $58
Alcohol 2 $6-17 $13-39 $25-74

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Hilton Head Island on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $140 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Hilton Head Island, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.

So, are you average?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Hilton Head Island often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $287 per person, per day.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $568 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the coastal town with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Hilton Head Island

Hotel prices in Hilton Head Island can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $472 up to around $881. From $274 for budget options to $1,961 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Hilton Head Island for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $257. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $129 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $129
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $257

Hotels in Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Hilton Head Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Hilton Head Island

The average hotel room price in Hilton Head Island based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $472 in the low season and $881 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Hilton Head Island include:

  • Royal Dunes starting at $283
  • Coral Sands Resort by Palmera starting at $271
  • Park Lane Hotel & Suites starting at $200
  • Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head starting at $174
  • Home2 Suites By Hilton Hilton Head starting at $208
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Hilton Head Island

Families visiting Hilton Head Island will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.

You can choose from several resorts in this coastal town. Some may offer meals or at least breakfast, and many resorts have restaurants right on site.

With many visitors spending a week in Hilton Head Island, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.

By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Hilton Head Island

Unfortunately, Hilton Head Island does not provide a solid public transit network. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

It's unfortunate that the walkability in most of the coastal town is lacking. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $34 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hilton Head Island. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hilton Head Island is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $34

Transportation Tips

Ensure that your hotel has easy parking arrangements if you're planning to drive.



Flights to Hilton Head Island
How much does it cost to go to Hilton Head Island? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Hilton Head Island
The price of renting a car in Hilton Head Island will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Hilton Head Island

Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Hilton Head Island by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Hilton Head Island can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hilton Head Island is $105 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $105

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hilton Head Island is around $105 ($105) per person, with previous travelers spending from $45 to $204. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Hilton Head Island are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $10 to $31
  • Lunch: $16 to $42
  • Dinner: $31 to $73
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $16

South Carolina is known for its home style comfort foot and barbeque cuisine; however, the closer you get to the coastline, the more you will find the South Carolina take on seafood. Highly influenced by French and creole culture, the eats of the coast includes favorites like Gullah rice, gumbo, fried okra, and buckets of peel and eat shrimp, served cocktail or otherwise with good southern spices. Sweet tea is a staple throughout the south, while peach cobbler remains the dessert of choice. Hilton Head itself is home to more than 250 restaurants plus bakeries, farmers markets, and gourmet shops. Some of the more casual eats include things fried seafood and southern classics at places like the waterfront Skull Creek Boathouse or counter-side at the Sea Shack, while finer fare can be found abundantly in Harbour Town. There are also some bars and restaurants that feature live entertainment like The Jazz Corner located in the Village at Wexford.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Hilton Head Island. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise for $106 details
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise for $115 details
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise for $106 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hilton Head Island

People come to Hilton Head Island in droves for family-friendly activities, food, resorts, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hilton Head Island typically cost an average of $23 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $23

In regards to sights, Hilton Head Island is full of little resort hubs, scenic beach fronts, and sprawling golf courses. Harbor Town is one of the richest, in whose marina the upper class houses their multi-million dollar yachts. This is where some of the more extravagant resorts lay as well as some of the finer dining, specialty shopping, and galleries. Shelter Cove is the island's largest deep water marina, and also serves as another hub for waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment. Located at the center of the island, Shelter Cove is surrounded by resorts and makes for a good launch point for activities like deep-sea and inshore fishing charters, sport crabbing, sail and power boat rentals, sightseeing and nature excursions, and dinner cruises.

Away from the town centers and resorts, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers another kind of experience closer to nature. Squeezed right between the mainland and Hilton Head Island, the refuge covers 4,053 acres that are home to wildlife like waterfowl, shorebirds, white-tailed deer, herons, egrets, alligators, salamanders, armadillos, bald eagles, and wood stork.



Hilton Head Island is host to a wide array of outdoor activities. Beyond dining and shopping, spending time on the beach is a popular way to spend one's days on the island. Covering nearly 9 miles, the public shoreline is vast and beautiful. Some of the other recommended spots are South Beach and the Disney Resort Beach Club area. Along the lines of oceans and beaches, water sports are also popular and excursions can be planned from any of the marinas. Kayaking, nature boat tours, dolphin watching, and dinner cruises are all common activities with visitors.

As far as sporting goes, it is said that there are almost too many golf courses on the island to count. Harbour Town Golf Links is one of the most expensive, but also the best-host to the Heritage golf tournament every April. Hilton Head National in Bluffton is one of the best public golf courses, and is affordable for most. Other popular courses include the George Fazio Golf Course, the Arthur Hills Golf Course, and the Robert Trent Jones Course. The courses are Port Royal Plantation are open to the public.

Tennis is another popular sport on the island. Tennis clubs (which host tennis pros) are found in most of the resorts, large and small.

Biking is a common way to get around the island, and also a fun activity with more than 25 crossing bike paths running throughout Hilton Head. Bike rentals are available at most of the major shopping areas and resorts.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Many come to Hilton Head Island specifically to enjoy the beach life. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Hilton Head Island. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Tybee Island Bike Tour for $39 details
  • Candle Making Experience for $45 details
  • Tybee Island Bicycle, Bites, and Brews Guided Tour for $110 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Hilton Head Island

The nightlife in Hilton Head Island is pretty much non-existent. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $26 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hilton Head Island per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $26
Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Hilton Head Island

  • Prices generally surge and the coastal town fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Since Hilton Head Island is quite large, it typically offers various price ranges for accommodations, dining, and activities. You can save money by comparing options, booking early, and enjoying free attractions.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Public transportation is quite scarce in Hilton Head Island. It may be beneficial to rent a car or arrange a form of transport in advance, like a tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
  • Hilton Head Island doesn't really have a thriving hostel scene, so if you're counting on staying in a low-cost dorm, you may want to change your plans. Instead, check out budget hotels or apartment rentals.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Hilton Head Island.

What makes Hilton Head Island a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We go to Hilton Head every summer. You'll definitely need a car to get around. There are some great shops and activities on the island and, while it's not cheap, it's not insanely expensive either.

traveling_fam
-
May 8 2024

Our hotel was fairly expensive, as it was right by the beach. Restaurants were delicious but they also had at least medium prices if not high prices. We did find some fast food, and we got groceries since our place had a kitchen.

beaches_and_mountains
-
Feb 22 2024

We paid a premium to visit during the summer months but we were able to save some money by staying in a condo where we could cook our own meals. This also helped us avoid the crazy traffic during the evenings.

in_the_sun
-
Oct 3 2023

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Traveling in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.



Neighborhoods & Around

Harbour Town is the heart of many of Hilton Head Island's activities, where many vacationers come to dine and yacht and indulge in seafood cuisine. This area is also host to a fine collection of boutiques and craft shops, always bustling with the shopping crowd. The storefronts feature anything from custom gifts and jewelry to art galleries featuring the works of local artists. The marina is the hub from which sailing, yacht, and boat tours depart-whether you are on the lookout for dolphins, dipping in on a kayak voyage, deep sea fishing, or sitting down to a romantic dinner and cruise. You can also climb Harbour Town's lighthouse for an aerial view of the yachts and sails bobbing in to dock, as well as the nearby golf course. As far as lodgings go, the town is skirted by some of the islands finer resorts, which feature world class tennis and golf facilities.

Hilton Head is divided into "Plantations" which are actually just resort and housing developments. While some are gated communities, many are open (or partially open) to the public, allowing access to the golf clubs, beaches, and restaurants, and shopping areas.

Multiple shopping areas are located in the center of the island along Highway 278. The more prominent areas include restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities needed by visitors and locals alike. Check out Shelter Cove or Coligny Circle for some of the larger and more active shopping areas with boutiques and restaurants.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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