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

Should you visit Duck Key or Hilton Head Island?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Duck Key or Hilton Head Island?

Duck Key

If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Duck Key?

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

  • Duck Key Prices
    USA Prices
    Hilton Head Island Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck Key $175
    Hilton Head Island $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $175, 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 Duck Key and Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck Key $56
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck Key $112
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Duck Key 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 Duck Key


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck Key $69
    Hilton Head Island $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island and Duck Key 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
    Duck Key $77
    Hilton Head Island $105

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.
    Duck Key $30
    Hilton Head Island $23

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:

  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $38
  • 1 Hour Private Dolphin and Nature Tour: $300
  • 2 Hour Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Tour: $49
  • 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour: $47
  • 2-Hour Private Hilton Head Dolphin Watching Cruise: $269
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: $48
  • 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise: $47
  • 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: $55
  • 90-Minute Dolphin and Nature Tour of Hilton Head: $47
  • 90-Minute Private Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island : $269
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $37
  • Beaufort Gullah Heritage Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck Key $7.99
    Hilton Head Island $26

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 Duck Key and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key 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 Duck Key.

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


Which is Bigger, Duck Key or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Duck Key. When comparing the sizes of Duck Key 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 Duck Key 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 Duck Key or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the summer, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°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 Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during summer. Duck Key gets 328 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. In July, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck Key 84°F (29°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Duck Key during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Duck Key is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°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 Duck Key. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck Key 80°F (27°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Hilton Head Island. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Duck Key is much warmer than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck Key 70°F (21°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Duck Key or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Hilton Head Island. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Duck Key is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°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 Duck Key this time of the year. In the spring, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck Key 77°F (25°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Duck Key

Duck Key Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)