Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 67.4% of gross income.
Hilton Head Island rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Hilton Head Island, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilton Head Island
View full rent data for Hilton Head Island, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Hilton Head Island, SC?
Median rent in Hilton Head Island is $3,106 a month. A typical firefighter in South Carolina earns about $55,273 a year, which makes that rent 67.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Hilton Head Island?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in South Carolina (~$55,273/yr) supports up to $1,382 a month in rent. Hilton Head Island's current median rent is $3,106/mo, which is $1,724/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Hilton Head Island?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a firefighter in South Carolina works roughly 116.9 hours a month to cover Hilton Head Island's median rent of $3,106.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilton Head Island for a firefighter?
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 firefighter salary.