A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Hilton Head Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana or Hilton Head Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Havana and Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Hilton Head Island?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Havana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $243. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Havana and Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $40
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $80
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Havana and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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.

Hotels in Havana


Hotels in Hilton Head Island


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Hilton Head Island $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Havana 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Havana $10
    Hilton Head Island $60
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Hilton Head Island $23

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:

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Hilton Head Island $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Hilton Head Island is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Havana Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Havana or Hilton Head Island?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Havana and Hilton Head Island, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Havana or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as Hilton Head Island. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Havana is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Havana or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Havana is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Havana or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Havana is generally much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Havana or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Hilton Head Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Havana is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Havana

Havana Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)