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Charleston, SC vs Hilton Head Island, SC
Side-by-side rent vs. buy comparison using 2026 market data — home prices, rents, price-to-rent ratios, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $622K | $765K | Charleston — More Affordable |
| Average Rent | $2,962/mo | $3,643/mo | Charleston — Lower Rent |
| Price-to-Rent Ratio | 17.5× | 17.5× | — |
| Median List Price | $650K | $825K | Charleston — Lower List Price |
| Price per Sq Ft | $318/sqft | $431/sqft | Charleston — Lower Cost/SqFt |
| Days on Market | 67 days | 54 days | Charleston — Hotter Market |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in Charleston or Hilton Head Island?
Charleston has a median home price of $622K and average rent of $2,962/mo, while Hilton Head Island has a median home price of $765K and average rent of $3,643/mo.
Should I rent or buy in Charleston?
Charleston has a price-to-rent ratio of 17.5×. The market is roughly neutral between renting and buying.
Should I rent or buy in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island has a price-to-rent ratio of 17.5×. The market is roughly neutral between renting and buying.