Can A Chef Afford Rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 66% of gross income.
Hilton Head Island rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a chef salary
Chef pay varies sharply by restaurant type, with executive chefs at high-end establishments earning materially above the BLS mean. At the national-average chef salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,604 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Hilton Head Island, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilton Head Island
View full rent data for Hilton Head Island, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Median rent in Hilton Head Island is $3,106 a month. A typical chef in South Carolina earns about $56,452 a year, which makes that rent 66% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a chef afford in Hilton Head Island?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in South Carolina (~$56,452/yr) supports up to $1,411 a month in rent. Hilton Head Island's current median rent is $3,106/mo, which is $1,695/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in Hilton Head Island?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a chef in South Carolina works roughly 114.4 hours a month to cover Hilton Head Island's median rent of $3,106.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilton Head Island for a chef?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Mount Pleasant ($2,425/mo), Pawleys Island ($2,400/mo), Mount Pleasant ($2,386/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.