Hilo, HI vs Wahiawa, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hilo is 17.6% cheaper than Wahiawa. With a cost index of 117 vs 142, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hilo to Wahiawa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hilo is $1,347/month compared to $1,443/month in Wahiawa — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hilo is more affordable at $455,100 median vs $716,800.

Median household income in Hilo is $78,713 compared to $86,883 in Wahiawa (-9.4%). The higher salaries in Wahiawa 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, more than the 19.9% in Wahiawa.