Hilo, HI Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Hilo, HI Utility & Living Guide

Living in Hilo offers a unique blend of tropical beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm on the Big Island of Hawaii

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index120 (+20% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$440,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Hilo
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Hilo
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Hilo
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Hilo?

Moving to Hilo? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Hawaii Electric Light Company
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

Hawaii County Department of Water Supply
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$440,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Hilo is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a growing demand for rentals. Prices have been rising in recent years, but there are still affordable options available. However, the market can be limited, and buyers may need to act quickly to secure a property

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

120

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

115

Transportation

105

Healthcare

110

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax4.166%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 4.166% + County 0%</p>

Hawaii has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue description, with a strong focus on environmental and social issues
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, agriculture, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Hilo's public transit system is limited, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Hilo Zoo
  • 🎯
    Pacific Tsunami Museum
  • 🎯
    Liliuokalani Park and Gardens

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Hilo include Downtown Hilo, which offers a mix of old and new homes, and the surrounding suburbs, which provide more affordable options and a sense of community. Other popular areas include the historic district and the coastal neighborhoods, which offer stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Hilo based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Hilo has regulations in place to protect its natural environment and historic districts, including rules on zoning, building permits, and environmental impact assessments

Hilo's economy is growing, driven by tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, with a focus on sustainable development and preserving the island's unique culture and environment. However, the town also faces challenges related to affordability, traffic, and infrastructure

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Hilo — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In Hilo, utility costs tend to be higher in the summer months due to increased demand for air conditioning, while winter months see lower costs. However, the town's mild climate means that heating costs are relatively low, and energy-efficient measures can help reduce overall utility bills

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 0.85% to 1.05% in Hilo, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Hilo's sidewalks are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be challenging for strollers due to uneven pavement, lack of curb cuts, or limited park access. However, the town's compact size and relatively flat terrain make it easier to navigate with a stroller, and many parks and outdoor spaces are stroller-friendly

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.