Hampton vs Hilo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Hampton
Hilo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 33.3%, with Hampton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Hampton has equivalent purchasing power to $112,500 in Hilo.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Hampton has the same purchasing power as $112,500 in Hilo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hilo equals $50,000 in Hampton.
Living in Hampton vs Hilo
Housing Costs
Hampton's housing index of 102 is lower Hilo's 149, translating to median home prices of $243,000 vs $555,000. The $312,000 difference in home prices means roughly $20,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,175/mo in Hampton compared to $1,575/mo in Hilo, a monthly difference of $400.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 94 in Hampton and 149 in Hilo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $447/month in Hampton vs $708/month in Hilo. Hampton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $3132/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Hampton and 218 in Hilo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Hampton 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 106 in Hampton and 118 in Hilo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $59,400 in Hampton and $78,700 in Hilo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $67,500 and $59,621 respectively. Hampton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,386/month to housing in Hampton vs $1,836/month in Hilo. In Hampton, median rent of $1,175/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 116 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases