Salary & Cost of Living in Hilo, HI
Hilo, HI: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 155, $14.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
155
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$14.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Hilo, HI Overview
Population
45,703
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$400,000
Median Rent
$1,600/mo
Job Growth
+0.5%
Sales Tax
4.71%
Hilo is located in Hawaii with a population of 45,703. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.5%.
Hilo Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Hilo, HI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$42,271
$3,522.58/month · $1,625.81/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.1%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$3,960
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$42,271
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| Hawaii State Tax (7.2%) | -$330.00 | -$3,960.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,522.58 | $42,271.00 |
Salary Comparison: Hilo vs Other Cities
See how Hilo's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo, HI | $55,000 | 155 | $35,484 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Hilo
Hilo's cost of living index is 155 (national average = 100). Living in Hilo is 55% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$400,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,600
Annual Rent Cost
$19,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $42,271 annual take-home pay in Hilo has the purchasing power of approximately $27,272 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $85,250 in Hilo to match a $55,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Hilo
Hilo's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Hilo Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Hilo has a cost of living 55% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 7.2% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Hilo's top industries include Agriculture, Tourism, Government. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Hilo, HI?
The median salary in Hilo, HI is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI?
Hilo's cost of living index is 155 (national average = 100), meaning it is 55% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $400,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,600.
What are the best industries in Hilo?
The top industries in Hilo, HI include Agriculture, Tourism, Government. The city has a job growth rate of 0.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Hilo's salary compare to other cities?
Hilo's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 155), the real purchasing power is approximately $35,484.
What is the minimum wage in Hilo, HI?
The minimum wage in Hilo, HI is $14.00 per hour. This equals approximately $29,120 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $6.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.