Hilo, HI

Above Avg · 110

Hawaii · Population 48,223 · Updated March 2026

$1,347
Median Rent / Month
$78,713
Median Income
$455,100
Median Home Value
$1,210
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Hilo

20.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Hawaii

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

11.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
0.32%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$16,164
Annual Rent
$8,658
State Income Tax
$1,456
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Hilo is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 110 (where 100 equals the national median), Hilo residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,347/month while earning a median household income of $78,713/year.

The median home value in Hilo, HI is $455,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,210 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Hawaii's top income tax rate of 11.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.32% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Hilo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Hilo

What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI?
The cost of living index in Hilo, HI is 110 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,347, median household income is $78,713/year, and the median home value is $455,100.
Is Hilo, HI affordable?
No, Hilo is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 110. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Hilo, HI?
The median gross rent in Hilo, HI is $1,347 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,164.
What is the median household income in Hilo?
The median household income in Hilo, HI is $78,713 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a top income tax rate of 11.0%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.32%.