Which city is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Orlando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Hilton Head Island for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples
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Should you visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Orlando 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.
Orlando
Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.
Orlando and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons
Orlando
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
Hilton Head Island
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
How is Orlando 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 Orlando. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Food?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Orlando and Hilton Head Island.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. Restaurants can be challenging though, as reservations must be made months in advance.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.
Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
Orlando and Hilton Head Island offer a relatively similar set of luxury resort options.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort.
Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. 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 Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Shopping?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Hilton Head Island both offer plenty of spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia.
Hilton Head Island offers some nice shopping areas. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.
Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Orlando or Hilton Head Island.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more.
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.
Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Hilton Head Island make for a good place to visit.
Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together.
Hilton Head Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Is Orlando or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?
Orlando
Hilton Head Island
Orlando and Hilton Head Island are similar when it comes to walkability.
Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent 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.
Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Orlando?
How long in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Both Orlando 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 Orlando.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Orlando is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Hilton Head Island is 5-7 days.
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How many days in Orlando or Hilton Head Island? Ideal Length of StayOrlando 7Hilton Head Island 5-7
One day in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the active destination of Orlando. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Orlando is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly city of Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOrlando $321Hilton Head Island $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOrlando $154Hilton Head Island $129
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOrlando $308Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Orlando 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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Orlando $66Hilton Head Island $34
Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
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Parking$14
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Taxi Ride$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal/North I-Drive Hotels to Orlando Airport Private Transfer: $69
- Universal Studios to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $128
- Universal Studios Resorts to Orlando Airport MCO. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $58
- Universal Studios Resort to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer up to 4 pax: $112
- Transfer to / from Miami Area and Ports: $325
- Transfer in private vehicle from Orlando downtown to Orlando Airport: $55
- Transfer in private vehicle from Orlando Airport to Orlando downtown: $55
- Transfer in private minivan from Orlando downtown to Orlando Airport: $67
- Transfer in private minivan from Orlando Airport to Orlando downtown: $67
- Transfer from Orlando to Cape Canaveral/Cruises/Cocoa Beach: $98
- Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Orlando: $87
- Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Central Florida: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Orlando 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 dayOrlando $65Hilton Head Island $60
Typical Food prices in Orlando
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
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Lunch for Two at Epcot$29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $34
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
- The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
- Food Tour of Celebration: $55
- Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57
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.Orlando $204Hilton Head Island $23
Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Universal Studios for Two$110
Tours and Activities in Orlando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
- 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $193
- A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
- Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando: $59
- Central Florida Everglades and Safari Park Tour: $129
- Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
- Chef Nite Dining Experience: $150
- Clearwater Beach Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Lunch: $149
- Clearwater Beach Pirate Cruise Adventure with Lunch: $115
- Clearwater Beach Speedboat Adventure with Lunch: $95
- Clermont: Clay Shooting Experience: $102
- Clermont: Trophy Bass Fishing Experience with Expert Guide: $294
- Comb Jelly Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $55
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 dayOrlando $30Hilton Head Island $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
- Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Hilton Head Island.
When is the best time to visit Orlando 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 Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Hilton Head Island. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 82°F (28°C).
Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 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 JulyOrlando 82°F (28°C)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Orlando is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The temperature in Orlando is usually 75°F (24°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island stays around 68°F (20°C).
Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 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 OctoberOrlando 75°F (24°C)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
Both Hilton Head Island and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January are around 59°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island is about 48°F (9°C).
In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 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 JanuaryOrlando 59°F (15°C)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Orlando or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island and Orlando during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 67°F (19°C).
Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 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 AprilOrlando 72°F (22°C)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Orlando
| Orlando | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
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