Which city is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Cumberland Island National Seashore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Hilton Head Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island?
Cumberland Island National Seashore
The Cumberland Island National Seashore, located on the southern coastline of Georgia, preserves an island of beaches and dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. It is also home to many historic sites and structures, preserved and interpreted for visitors to explore.
Hilton Head Island
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCumberland Island National Seashore $118Hilton Head Island $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $118, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $195. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCumberland Island National Seashore $60Hilton Head Island $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCumberland Island National Seashore $120Hilton Head Island $206
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cumberland Island National Seashore Hotel Prices and Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cumberland Island National Seashore $47Hilton Head Island $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Cumberland Island National Seashore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCumberland Island National Seashore $30Hilton Head Island $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hilton Head Coligny Beach Walking Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cumberland Island National Seashore $19Hilton Head Island $19
Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Guided Kayak Nature Tour of Hilton Head: $40
- 3-Hour Private Customized Small-Group Fishing, Dolphin Watching, or Nature Tours: $497
- Avocado Electric Beach Cruiser Rental at Hilton Head Island: $50
- Creek Cat Tour: $119
- Disappearing Island Dolphin Tour: $48
- Dolphins & Donuts Cruise: $59
- Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $40
- Guided Mini Boat Dolphin Tour: $250
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour: $40
- Hidden Hilton Head Private Tours: $185
- Hilton Head Fireworks Boat Cruise: $50
- Hilton Head Guided Creek Cat Dolphin Eco Tour: $127
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCumberland Island National Seashore $20Hilton Head Island $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Cumberland Island National Seashore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cumberland Island National Seashore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cumberland Island National Seashore and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Cumberland Island National Seashore.
When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Hilton Head Island. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Hilton Head Island. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore is usually 70°F (21°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island stays around 68°F (20°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.
Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
Both Hilton Head Island and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January are around 53°F (12°C), and Hilton Head Island is about 48°F (9°C).
Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 67°F (19°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.
Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Cumberland Island National Seashore
| Cumberland Island National Seashore | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
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