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Hilo, Hawaii Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Hilo, Hawaii at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $417,600
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security exempt; many pensions partially or fully exempt depending on source.
- Avg January Low
- 65.1°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 111.1 (US avg = 100)
- Best For
- established retirement community
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 48 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Hilo, Hawaii, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Hilo's cost of living is 11.099999999999994% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Hilo using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$905
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$1,016
Median home price used: $417,600
Median rent reference: $1,228 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Hilo, Hawaii after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Hilo scores 24.7 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Hilo
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Hilo →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Hawaii has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 330 sunny days a year and an average January low of 65.1°F, Hilo offers a mild winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Hilo
Is Hilo, Hawaii a good place to retire?▾
Hilo, Hawaii is one of the US retirement-friendly cities tracked by RetireCityIQ. Notable retirement-relevant traits include established retirement community. See the at-a-glance card on this page for the cost of living, state tax treatment, climate, and healthcare access metrics.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, Hawaii for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 111, roughly 11% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $417,600.
Does Hawaii tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Hawaii residents: State income tax; Social Security exempt; many pensions partially or fully exempt depending on source.
What is the climate like in Hilo, Hawaii?▾
Hilo, Hawaii has January average low around 65°F, July average high around 79°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Hilo, Hawaii?▾
Hilo scores 25/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).