Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Philadelphia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Philadelphia or Hilton Head Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Philadelphia is a cultural, diverse, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia and Hilton Head Island are both popular with visitors, Philadelphia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Philadelphia is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts and beaches. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Philadelphia is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also home to The Liberty Bell.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island and Philadelphia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Philadelphia is terrific for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Philadelphia has many famous sights for visitors. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
Hilton Head Island is not a theatre destination.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.
Philadelphia has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
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.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.
It's worth checking out the music scene in Philadelphia while you're in town. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.
Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
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.
Philadelphia is not a resort destination.
Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.
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.
Philadelphia is not a beach destination.
Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia has an old town worth visiting. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
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.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.
Since it has plenty to do, Philadelphia is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.
Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas activities.
Philadelphia is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas markets.
Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.
Hilton Head Island does not offer Christmas markets.
Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. 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.
Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.
Philadelphia and Hilton Head Island are both good to visit as a couple.
Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.
Hilton Head Island is a good city for couples to visit. 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.
Philadelphia is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Philadelphia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.
Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.
Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.
Philadelphia is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
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.
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
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 Philadelphia Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.
Both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Philadelphia, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.
Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the museums. 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 shopping and food that this resort-filled coastal town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
Philadelphia is a popular place to visit. Philadelphia is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Most people visit for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Philadelphia has to offer.
Hilton Head Island is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Philadelphia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Philadelphia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.
Hilton Head Island is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Philadelphia is $188, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Philadelphia and Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Philadelphia 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.
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Philadelphia 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.
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
When comparing the travel costs between Philadelphia and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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.
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.
Both Hilton Head Island and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Philadelphia is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Philadelphia in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Philadelphia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. In July, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Hilton Head Island and Philadelphia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.
In October, Philadelphia is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 56°F (14°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets less rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Hilton Head Island. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. Philadelphia is much colder than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
Philadelphia usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Philadelphia gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Philadelphia usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia 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.
The spring brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Philadelphia is much colder than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Philadelphia in April average around 52°F (11°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°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 Philadelphia this time of the year. In the spring, Philadelphia often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Philadelphia | Hilton Head Island | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
Apr | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
May | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
Aug | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
Oct | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |