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Studio Apartment for Rent in Hilton Head Island, SC

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    $1,495 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • Xanadu Villa D-12

    34 S Forest Beach Dr Unit 3, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

    34 S Forest Beach Dr Unit 3, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Why Live in Hilton Head Island

Twelve miles of pristine Atlantic beaches and over 24 championship golf courses make Hilton Head Island a premier coastal destination. Residents enjoy an extensive 60-mile network of bike paths connecting neighborhoods to attractions like Coligny Beach Park and the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse. The island's natural beauty shines through at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where boardwalks wind through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Local restaurants showcase fresh seafood and Lowcountry cuisine, from waterfront dining at Hudson's Seafood House to Southern comfort food at Lowcountry Backyard.

The housing market features diverse options across several gated communities. Sea Pines leads luxury single-family homes with a median price of $1,492,500, while Wexford commands $2,119,500. More moderate options exist in Hilton Head Plantation, where single-family homes have a median price of $887,500. Condos present a more affordable entry point, with one-bedroom units at a median of $330,000 and two-bedrooms at $449,300.

The overall cost of living runs 3.7% above the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $110,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $70,000. Property taxes remain competitive at 0.5%, lower than nearby Savannah at 0.9%. The public Hilton Head Island High School maintains an A-minus rating, while private options include the A-plus rated Hilton Head Preparatory School. The island's combination of natural amenities, strong schools, and varied housing options continues to attract both families and retirees seeking coastal living.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Hilton Head Island, SC?
The median rent for a home in Hilton Head Island, SC is $3,600 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option while condos and townhouses are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Hilton Head Island, SC, a household needs to earn roughly $144,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $3,600 per month in Hilton Head Island, SC, renters typically need to show $10,800 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Hilton Head Island, SC?
In Hilton Head Island, SC, the price-to-rent ratio is 17.8, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends in Hilton Head Island, SC

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$3,600
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,550
Median Townhouse Rent
$7,900
Median Condo Rent
$3,628
How to Rent a Home