Example household · Hilton Head Island, SC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

San Diego skyline

Uprootmap

Hilton Head Island vs San Diego

Hilton Head Island and San Diego

Photo: Boatguy619 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

Swap city

Other cities

So you know: homicide deaths in San Diego are under the US rate in this release, 2.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Hilton Head Island to San Diego

In 2022-2023, 123 households filed a move from Hilton Head Island to San Diego (about 283 people, average adjusted gross income $72,732). 143 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,483 in Hilton Head Island and $2,292 in San Diego. Hilton Head Island has a state tax on wages. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Diego is 109% of the national level for the same work, against 87% in Hilton Head Island.

San Diego averages 266 sunny days, with July highs around 78°F and January nights around 50°F. Hilton Head Island is 225 sunny days, 91°F in July, 43°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in San Diego and 24 in Hilton Head Island.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 123 households moved Hilton Head Island → San Diego (about 283 people, average AGI $72,732). 143 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Hilton Head Island and San Diego changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 2,496 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$4,850–$9,050
Container or pod
$3,500–$6,550
Rent a truck
$2,250–$4,200

Movers in San Diego and how to hire one →

Explore more

Questions

Is San Diego cheaper than Hilton Head Island after tax and rent?

No. San Diego leaves about $1,226 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,483 in Hilton Head Island and $2,292 in San Diego.

Does San Diego have state income tax?

San Diego is in California, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Hilton Head Island to San Diego?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.