Performance
Score Breakdown
Hilo
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hilo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
45% lower compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hilo's average rent is
57% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Hilo | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,466 | $3,420 | -57% |
| Groceries | $600 | $459 | +31% |
| Utilities | $475 | $396 | +20% |
| Transport | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $759 | -74% |
| Monthly Total | $2,891 | $5,234 | -45% |
| Cost Index | 146 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kapolei offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kapolei delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hilo is estimated at
$98,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Hilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $41,708 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $98,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 28,567 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $81,779 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hilo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
Kapolei scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kapolei leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 23.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hilo is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,404 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 42.7 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 2.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hilo
Advantages
Hilo boasts a lush, tropical environment with abundant natural beauty, including waterfalls and volcanic landscapes.
The city is a cultural hub, hosting significant events like the Merrie Monarch Festival, celebrating Hawaiian culture.
The job market in Hilo saw a healthy employment growth rate of 4.88% from 2023 to 2024.
Healthcare and Educational Services are strong and growing industries, offering stable employment opportunities.
The homeownership rate in Hilo is 66.1%, which is higher than the national average.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Hilo is significantly higher than the national average, particularly for housing, utilities, and groceries.
Hilo has a high property crime rate, which is 41% higher than the national average, making residents more susceptible to theft.
Public transportation is minimal and unreliable, making the city largely car-dependent for daily errands and commutes.
Utility costs, especially for electricity, are exceptionally high due to reliance on imported fuel.
The average rent for apartments, particularly 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, is considerably higher than many mainland cities.
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hilo
#73Hawaii, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,466
Avg Salary
$41,708
Cost Index
146
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
23.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.78%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
Kapolei
#55Hawaii, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
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