Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Hilo, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 17.9% cheaper than Hilo, HI. This translates to saving $1345 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Hilo, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Hilo, HI, you'd need approximately $133,858.92 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hilo, HI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 42.2% cheaper than in Hilo, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,510/month in Hilo, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Hilo, HI to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Hilo, HI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1345 per month, or $16141 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hilo, HI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Hilo, HI — COL adjusted from Honolulu, HI area + state data

Current salary in Hilo, HI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,345

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Hilo, HI

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$657K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$512K

Hilo, HI

The Aloha State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Hawaii, this city has a population of 44K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Hilo, HI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Hilo, HI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,268/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,800less	42.2%
📦Other	$1,189/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $518more	43.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,306/mo	$959/mo	↓ $347less	26.5%
⚡All Utilities	$723/mo	$546/mo	↓ $176less	24.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,121/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $163more	14.5%
🏥Healthcare	$553/mo	$601/mo	↑ $48.24more	8.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 42.2%

Hilo, HI

$4,268

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,800

less

📦Other

↑ 43.6%

Hilo, HI

$1,189

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$518

🛒Groceries

↓ 26.5%

Hilo, HI

$1,306

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$347

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 24.4%

Hilo, HI

$723

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$176

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.5%

Hilo, HI

$1,121

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$163

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.7%

Hilo, HI

$553

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$48.24

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$963

To$1,570

↑ $607

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,640

↑ $495

2 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,800

↑ $290

3 Bed

From$2,186

To$2,255

↑ $69.00

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,160

Monthly in Hilo, HI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,593

Difference

Home Values

Hilo

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$375

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Hilo, HI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Hawaii State Tax

Effective: 7.8%

$11.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.4%

$48.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,446/month

$101.4K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Hilo, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.