A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Salt Lake City for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

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 Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a notable, religious, and architectural city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and food. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to Temple Square
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City. Although Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City are popular destinations, Salt Lake City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salt Lake City is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Salt Lake City is famous for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. It is also well known for Temple Square.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Hilton Head Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hilton Head Island has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Salt Lake City. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.


Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Salt Lake City is a great destination for shopping. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.


Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Both Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town 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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Salt Lake City has some public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island
Salt Lake City

Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

Families should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Salt Lake City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilton Head Island, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Salt Lake City than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salt Lake City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.


  • How many days in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hilton Head Island 5-7 
    Salt Lake City 2-3

One day in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the religious destination of Salt Lake City. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Salt Lake City is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the notable city of Salt Lake City. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Salt Lake City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.


A week in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Salt Lake City 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Salt Lake City or Hilton Head Island?

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

  • Hilton Head Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Salt Lake City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hilton Head Island $287
    Salt Lake City $282

The average daily cost (per person) in Hilton Head Island is $287, while the average daily cost in Salt Lake City is $282. 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 Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hilton Head Island $129
    Salt Lake City $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hilton Head Island $258
    Salt Lake City $238
Compare Hotels in Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City

Looking for a hotel in Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City? 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 Hilton Head Island


Hotels in Salt Lake City


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 and Salt Lake City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hilton Head Island $34
    Salt Lake City $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salt Lake City

Also for Salt Lake City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Salt Lake City to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer: Hotels to SLC Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City : $132
  • Private Transfer from Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City hotel or address: $286
  • Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT : $286
  • Private Departure Transfer to Salt Lake City Airport SLC: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Prices for flights to both Salt Lake City and Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $105
    Salt Lake City $86

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.
    Hilton Head Island $23
    Salt Lake City $28

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

Tours and Activities in Salt Lake City

For Salt Lake City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4-Day Yellowstone&Mount Rushmore Tour from Salt Lake City: $1,348
  • 45 Minute Great Salt Lake Boat Tour: $39
  • 8-Day Tour: LA, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone & Las Vegas: $1,399
  • Antelope Island Wildlife Expedition Great Salt Lake Adventure: $99
  • Bonneville Salt Flats Adventure: $149
  • From 6-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Tour: $3,884
  • From Bonneville Salt Flats Guided Tour: $149
  • From Private Goblin Valley State Park Tour: $1,475
  • From Yellowstone & Grand Teton 5-Day Tour: $1,368
  • From Salt Lake Private Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats: $179
  • Gourmet Dining Experience : $215
  • Grand Teton,Yellowstone National Park 3-Day Tour from SLC: $1,016

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hilton Head Island $26
    Salt Lake City $17

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Salt Lake City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salt Lake City:

  • Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour: $20


When comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City, 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Salt Lake City, 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.