Dayton vs Hilo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dayton
Hilo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 39.4%, with Dayton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Dayton has equivalent purchasing power to $123,750 in Hilo.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Dayton has the same purchasing power as $123,750 in Hilo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hilo equals $45,455 in Dayton.
Living in Dayton vs Hilo
Housing Costs
Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Hilo's 149, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $555,000. The $420,000 difference in home prices means roughly $27,300 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $1,575/mo in Hilo, a monthly difference of $675.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 149 in Hilo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton vs $708/month in Hilo. Dayton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $2904/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 109 in Dayton and 218 in Hilo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton vs $872 in Hilo. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Dayton and 118 in Hilo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $43,500 in Dayton and $78,700 in Hilo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 and $59,621 respectively. Hilo residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,836/month in Hilo. In Dayton, median rent of $900/mo fits within this budget. In Hilo, median rent of $1,575/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 109 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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