Cost of living in Hilo
Hilo, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Understanding the cost of living in Hilo is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $8 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $58 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.5, with a range between $12 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7, imported beer $4 to $6, cappuccino $4 to $12, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.5 and $2.37 per liter, averaging $1.91.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $6.49 and $7.72, with an average price of $6.94.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $10.99.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $15.43 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $5.14 per kg, and lettuce costs $4.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.5 and $3.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.22 and $1.34 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.73, with a cost of $1.15 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $1800, averaging $1500.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1400, averaging $1200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2600, averaging $2266.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1600.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4843.76 to $4962, averaging $4902.88.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2690.98 to $4962, averaging $3826.49.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $500, averaging $280.95.
- Internet - Internet services range from $30 to $79.99, with an average cost of $55.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Hilo offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and groceries. However, transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and gasoline prices.
Dining out can vary significantly in cost, with options ranging from inexpensive meals to high-end dining experiences.
Potential residents should budget carefully for utilities and groceries, as these can add up quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hilo presents a unique living experience with its beautiful landscapes and cultural offerings. However, the cost of living is on the higher side, especially for housing and groceries.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in such a picturesque location. Careful financial planning can help manage expenses effectively.