Hilo, HI vs Makakilo, HI

The cost of living difference between Hilo, HI and Makakilo, HI is dramatic. Hilo is 32.8% cheaper than Makakilo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hilo has a cost index of 117 while Makakilo sits at 174, 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 $2,202/month in Makakilo — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hilo is more affordable at $455,100 median vs $827,900.

Median household income in Hilo is $78,713 compared to $120,489 in Makakilo (-34.7%). While Makakilo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hilo spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.9% in Makakilo.