A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. New York City for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or New York City?

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 Hilton Head Island and New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Hilton Head Island and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in New York City than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and beaches. New York City is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Hilton Head Island different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Hilton Head Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

New York City is terrific for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

New York City is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

New York City is a very kid-friendly coastal town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of New York City can take you anywhere. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

Both Hilton Head Island and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Hilton Head Island. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than New York City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilton Head Island, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Hilton Head Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.

One day in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the resort-filled destination of Hilton Head Island. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a one-of-a-kind big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City is a popular place to visit. New York City is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilton Head Island and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Hilton Head Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilton Head Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilton Head Island 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Hilton Head Island.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and New York City, 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 Hilton Head Island or New York City?

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 Hilton Head Island or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than New York City. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Hilton Head Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and New York City. The winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than New York City. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as New York City. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Hilton Head Island