Is it better to stay in Savannah or Hilton Head?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Savannah 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.

Where Should I go: Savannah or Hilton Head Island?

Savannah

Savanah is a reasonably priced city by U.S. standards. With a wide range of accommodation and food options, it's possible to experience this historical city on a cheaper budget, or, if you like, to live it up in luxury without spending an inordinate amount of money.

The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah sits right on the Savannah River, a historic commercial port dating back to the Thirteen Colonies. The old port of the city still lies along this river, paved in traditional cobblestone roads and radiating with old southern charm. Savannah is also known for its many small parks, tunnels of oak trees and magnolias draped in southern moss, romantic horse-drawn carriages, as well as some of the most ornate antebellum architecture to be found in the south.

Whether you are interested in the past of a historically prosperous seaport or wish to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere that it still holds, Savannah is a quaint destination full of beauty with an arsenal of historic appeal to match.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Which city is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

    Savannah $128

    Hilton Head Island $195

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $128, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $195. 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 Savannah and Hilton Head Island in more detail.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

    Savannah $67

    Hilton Head Island $103

  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

    Savannah $134

    Hilton Head Island $206

Looking for a hotel in Savannah 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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

    Savannah $22

    Hilton Head Island $27


Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • SAV Airport Transfer To & From South Carolina: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Savannah Airport: $157
  • Private Departure Transfer to Savannah Airport SAV: $73
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Hotel: $157
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah Airport SAV: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Savannah 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

  • Food Meals for one day

    Savannah $46

    Hilton Head Island $48


Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Savannah Southern Fried Expectations Walking Food Tour: $47
  • Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour: $57
  • 3-Hour First Squares Food Tour: $57
  • Savannah's Historic & Secret East Side Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $73
  • Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise: $79
  • Savannah Walktails & Bar Bites Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Savannah Riverboat: Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $87

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

  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

    Savannah $13

    Hilton Head Island $19

Typical Entertainment prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl

    $10


Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • "Pedal through Savannah" 2-Hour Bike Tour: $30
  • 10:00 pm Restless Souls Tour: $29
  • 13 Ghosts of Christmas: Savannah Ghost Tour: $26
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $49
  • 8:00 pm Voices of the Dead Tour: $29
  • 90-Minute Segway History Tour of Savannah: $71
  • America's Most Haunted City Savannah, Georgia Interpreter Tour: $179
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour with Transportation: $30
  • Botanical Walking Tour of Savannah: $32
  • Cayman Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
  • Colonial Park Cemetery Segway and Walking Tour: $69
  • Custom Savannah Private Tour: $103

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:

  • Hilton Head Honey Horn Admission with Guided Tour: $12
  • Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Cruise aboard the Black Sparrow: $31
  • Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise: $33
  • Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island Round-Trip Ferry Ticket: $35
  • Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour: $35
  • Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: $35
  • Hilton Head Mermaid Encounter Boat Cruise: $36
  • Hilton Head Pirate Ship Adventure Sail aboard the Black Dagger: $36
  • Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour: $40
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $40
  • 2-Hour Guided Kayak Nature Tour of Hilton Head: $40
  • Hilton Head Guided Kayak Tour: $41

Alcohol

  • Alcohol Drinks for one day

    Savannah $28

    Hilton Head Island $21


Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $15
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $24
  • Haunted Savannah Ghost & Pub Walking Tour: $28
  • Bad Kitty Haunted Pub Crawl - The Best Savannah Ghost and Spirits Experience: $29
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Creepy Crawl Night-Time Haunted Pub Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District: $30
  • Damsels & Divas Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl with Sing-a-Longs: $38
  • Savannah Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl: $39

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


When is the best time to visit Savannah 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 Savannah or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Savannah during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 82°F (28°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Savannah. In the summer, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Savannah gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hilton Head Island. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July

    Savannah 82°F (28°C) 

    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Savannah is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The temperature in Savannah is usually 68°F (20°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island stays around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Savannah, it's very sunny this time of the year. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Savannah gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Savannah usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October

    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 

    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Hilton Head Island. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Savannah is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January are around 49°F (9°C), and Hilton Head Island is about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Savannah often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Savannah gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Savannah usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hilton Head Island. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January

    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 

    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Savannah is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Hilton Head Island stays around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. Savannah usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during spring. Savannah gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April

    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 

    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Savannah

SavannahHilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)

Related Articles for Savannah

Related Articles for Hilton Head Island

How many days is enough in Savannah?

I definitely recommend at least three days for a visit to Savannah. Ideally, you'll explore the historic downtown and riverfront your first two days, then get out of Savannah for an excursion on day three. But if you only have one day in Savannah, don't despair.

What is the best month to visit Savannah?

The best time to visit Savannah is from March to July when the weather is warm and pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom. Mid to late summer can bring extreme heat and humidity which can make it unpleasant for some visitors.

How far apart are Hilton Head and Savannah?

The total driving distance from Hilton Head Island, SC to Savannah, GA is 31 miles or 50 kilometers. Your trip begins in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Is Hilton Head SC worth visiting?

Is Hilton Head SC with visiting? Hilton Head Island is definitely worth visiting on your next vacation. There are plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy a fun-filled day exploring the many attractions and activities Hilton Head has to offer, from boat tours to dolphin cruises.