Hilo, HI vs Kaneohe, HI

The cost of living difference between Hilo, HI and Kaneohe, HI is dramatic. Hilo is 39.1% cheaper than Kaneohe, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hilo has a cost index of 117 while Kaneohe sits at 192, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hilo is $1,347/month compared to $2,356/month in Kaneohe — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hilo is more affordable at $455,100 median vs $990,100.

Median household income in Hilo is $78,713 compared to $124,632 in Kaneohe (-36.8%). The higher salaries in Kaneohe partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hilo spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, less than the 22.7% in Kaneohe.