A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Hilton Head Island for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Miami 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 Miami and Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Miami and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Miami than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Miami different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Miami or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

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

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Music?

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Miami is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Is Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Miami is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami 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 Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Miami is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Miami or Hilton Head Island Better for Students?

Miami is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

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

Miami has some public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

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 Miami or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Miami is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Miami?

How long in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Both Miami and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami 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 Miami.

One day in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. This beach city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this family-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami is a popular place to visit. Miami is a exciting beach city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hilton Head Island is a fun place to experience. In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or Hilton Head Island?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Miami as well as Hilton Head Island. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In July, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°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 Miami this time of the year. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Miami usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Miami is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Miami during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Hilton Head Island. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Miami is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Miami