Hilo vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Hilo
Modesto
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 17.9%, with Modesto being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Hilo has equivalent purchasing power to $63,636 in Modesto.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Hilo has the same purchasing power as $63,636 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $88,393 in Hilo.
Living in Hilo vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Hilo's housing index of 149 is higher Modesto's 121, translating to median home prices of $555,000 vs $380,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,575/mo in Hilo compared to $1,400/mo in Modesto, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 149 in Hilo and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $708/month in Hilo vs $475/month in Modesto. Modesto offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $2796/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 218 in Hilo and 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $872 in Hilo vs $432 in Modesto. 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 118 in Hilo and 100 in Modesto. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $78,700 in Hilo and $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,621 and $49,230 respectively. Hilo residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,836/month to housing in Hilo vs $1,287/month in Modesto. In Hilo, median rent of $1,575/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 110 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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