A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dayton vs. Hilton Head Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dayton or Hilton Head Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton 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.

Where Should I go: Dayton or Hilton Head Island?

Dayton

Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Dayton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dayton Prices
    USA Prices
    Hilton Head Island Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dayton $368
    Hilton Head Island $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $368, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $287. 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 Dayton and Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $250
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $500
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.

Hotels in Dayton


Hotels in Hilton Head Island


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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $25
    Hilton Head Island $34

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

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Dayton 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
    Dayton $105
    Hilton Head Island $105
Typical Food Prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $34

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 Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Hibachi Dinner Cruise: $117
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise: $118
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $128
  • Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise on Hilton Head: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dayton -
    Hilton Head Island $23

Tours and Activities in Dayton

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

  • Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45

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:

  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $35
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $38
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
  • Hilton Head Island Ocean Dolphin Cruise: $38
  • Tybee Island Bike Tour: $39
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $39
  • Daytime Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dayton -
    Hilton Head Island $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Hilton Head Island.

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


Which is Bigger, Dayton or Hilton Head Island?

Dayton has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Dayton during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Dayton is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the summer, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 298 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. Dayton usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 78°F (26°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Hilton Head Island. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the autumn, Dayton is cooler than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dayton usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 57°F (14°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Hilton Head Island. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dayton in the winter. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Dayton usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 30°F (-1°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

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

Both Hilton Head Island and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dayton is much colder than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates 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 Dayton. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 55°F (13°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Dayton

Dayton Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 55°F (13°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)