Cost of Living in Hilo, HI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,328 (excluding rent), and $2,724 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,559 (excluding rent), and $4,776 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.25 $17.25

$15.22 $15.22

$21.31 $21.31

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$76.4 $76.4

$57.2 $57.2

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.05 $11.05

$10.05 $10.05

$12.06 $12.06

Cappuccino

$7.91 $7.91

$3.99 $3.99

$11.98 $11.98

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.99 $1.99

$2.49 $2.49

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.3 $2.3

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.92 $5.92

$2.96 $2.96

$7.89 $7.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.11 $6.11

$7.13 $7.13

Milk (1 liter)

$1.72 $1.72

$1.46 $1.46

$2.3 $2.3

White Bread (500g)

$7.61 $7.61

$2.26 $2.26

$9.05 $9.05

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.41 $6.41

$1.34 $1.34

$12.31 $12.31

Eggs

$8.71 $8.71

$6.15 $6.15

$11.27 $11.27

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.99 $12.99

$6.47 $6.47

$19.49 $19.49

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.25 $15.25

$7.74 $7.74

$31.07 $31.07

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$23.43 $23.43

$13.31 $13.31

$35.55 $35.55

Apples (1kg)

$6.05 $6.05

$2.26 $2.26

$11.34 $11.34

Banana (1kg)

$2.67 $2.67

$2.17 $2.17

$3.23 $3.23

Oranges (1kg)

$10.03 $10.03

$4.46 $4.46

$15.6 $15.6

Tomato (1kg)

$10.86 $10.86

$2.17 $2.17

$10.86 $10.86

Potato (1kg)

$5.15 $5.15

$1.32 $1.32

$6.16 $6.16

Onion (1kg)

$7.88 $7.88

$6.74 $6.74

$9.02 $9.02

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.83 $4.83

$4.58 $4.58

$5.08 $5.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.62 $2.62

$2.31 $2.31

$2.94 $2.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.62 $13.62

$12.11 $12.11

$15.13 $15.13

Wine (Bottle)

$12.28 $12.28

$9.82 $9.82

$14.73 $14.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.3 $3.3

$1.57 $1.57

$5.9 $5.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$2.95 $2.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.68 $3.68

$3.15 $3.15

$4.19 $4.19

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.13 $1.13

$2.14 $2.14

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.71 $28.71

$25.97 $25.97

$34.43 $34.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.21 $1.21

$1.16 $1.16

$1.23 $1.23

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.2K $23.2K

$36.5K $36.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.4K $24.4K

$27K $27K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$281 $281

$99.9 $99.9

$500 $500

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$41.99 $41.99

$39.99 $39.99

$42.99 $42.99

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.3 $54.3

$30.56 $30.56

$81.5 $81.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.46 $49.46

$30.46 $30.46

$59 $59

Cinema Ticket

$12.56 $12.56

$10.05 $10.05

$15.08 $15.08

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,296 $1,296

$998 $998

$1,844 $1,844

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.6K $23.6K

$16.9K $16.9K

$27.4K $27.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$37.87 $37.87

$19.76 $19.76

$69.2 $69.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$9.98 $9.98

$64.9 $64.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.8 $78.8

$50.3 $50.3

$101 $101

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$76.7 $76.7

$34.65 $34.65

$119 $119

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,642 $1,642

$1,182 $1,182

$1,970 $1,970

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,190 $1,190

$991 $991

$1,388 $1,388

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,285 $2,285

$2,016 $2,016

$2,621 $2,621

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,589 $1,589

$2,482 $2,482

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,419 $5,419

$4,976 $4,976

$5,689 $5,689

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,326 $5,326

$4,890 $4,890

$5,591 $5,591

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,423 $4,423

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.32

6.7

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Hilo, HI - Frequently Asked Questions

For many, Hilo offers a slower pace and practical value that appeals to travelers, expats, and digital nomads alike. In general, you’ll find options that feel more affordable than bigger Hawaiian hubs, with roomier housing in some neighborhoods and a strong sense of local community. The Cost of Living in Hilo, HI, United States is shaped by groceries, utilities, and meals you can manage by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and choosing casual eateries over tourist spots. A plus is the emphasis on nature, which supports affordable weekend activities like beach days and hiking. Tip: Start with a two‑week stay to map routine costs and identify value pockets.

Daily life in Hilo blends small‑town ease with island practicality. Knowing the Hilo, HI, United States living cost helps you align housing choices with groceries, transit, and coworking. When you search for housing, consider neighborhoods around downtown or Hilo Bay for walkable access, or the quieter residential hills if you want more space. Food options range from farmers markets and local grocers to casual cafés with regional flavors; many people cook at home to stretch budgets. Transport works with a mix of car, scooter, and bus routes, while errands are easy near the center. For work, seek simple co‑working spaces or library corners. Tip: map a week of errands to spot peak times.

Quality of life here centers on pace, access to nature, and a practical budgeting mindset. You can frame your finances around essentials first, then flexible spending and savings, which helps you adapt to shifting costs during busy seasons or special events. Neighborhood fit matters: choose a base with easy access to markets, parks, and beaches if you value outdoor time, or opt for a calmer residential area if you prefer quiet evenings. Save by shopping locally, taking advantage of farmers markets, and choosing slower dining options. Seasonality affects crowds and lodging availability, so plan ahead for longer stays or sporadic work trips. Tip: rotate a couple of neighborhoods to feel what suits your routine.