Cost of Living in Hilo, HI
Population 48,223 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hilo lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $455,000 — 49% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Hawaii. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Hilo lies roughly 210 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hilo
The median home value in Hilo is $455,100 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,347/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,713/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Hawaii's top state income tax rate is 11.0% and the combined sales tax is 4.4%. The climate averages highs of 80.6°F and lows of 67.3°F. Overall, Hilo has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 79 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 82 | 80 | 79 |
| Low °F | 64 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 69 | 68 | 66 |
| Precip" | 7.86 | 10.22 | 12.68 | 9.40 | 6.99 | 7.30 | 9.24 | 11.30 | 8.70 | 10.24 | 14.39 | 12.07 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI?
Hilo has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.
What is average rent in Hilo, HI?
The median gross rent in Hilo is $1,347 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hilo?
The median home value in Hilo is $455,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hilo?
The median household income in Hilo is $78,713 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hilo, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hilo is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Hilo, HI affordable?
Hilo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Hilo?
Hilo has average high temperatures of 80.6°F and average lows of 67.3°F. Annual precipitation is 120.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hilo at a Glance
- Population
- 48,223
- Median Income
- $78,713
- Home Value
- $455,100
- Median Rent
- $1,347/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 80.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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