Cost of Living in Hilo
Hilo's cost of living runs genuinely more accessible than most other Hawaii Tier A markets on housing and rent, though Hawaii's own defining statewide cost pressures still apply in full.
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Learn moreHousing runs closer to the national median
Hilo's cited median home price ($483,000-$555,000) runs only ~18%-36% above the ~$408,776 national comparison figure -- notably better than Maui's resort-adjacent markets.
The lowest median rent of Hawaii's four counties
Hawaii County was cited as carrying the lowest median rent (~$1,510/month) among Hawaii's four counties.
Hawaii's statewide cost pressures still apply
Hawaii's cost-of-living index (~193, nearly double the national average) reflects statewide shipping, grocery, electricity, and gas costs that apply in Hilo as everywhere in the state.
Key takeaways
- Hilo's housing and rent run genuinely more accessible than most other Hawaii Tier A markets.
- Hawaii County carries the state's lowest median rent among its four counties.
- Hawaii's statewide high cost of living (groceries, electricity, gas) applies in Hilo as everywhere in the state.
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