1-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Hilo, HI
Median asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hilo, Hawaii as of July 2026. That's +26% lower than the citywide median of $2,095 and +11% above the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395.
Income needed for a 1-bedroom in Hilo
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a 1-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Hilo
Compare Hilo's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a 1-bedroom in Hawaii
| # | City | 1-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keaau | $1,400 |
| 2 | Hilo (this page) | $1,550 |
| 3 | Wailuku | $1,580 |
| 4 | Makawao | $1,730 |
| 5 | Waianae | $1,800 |
| 6 | Waipahu | $1,840 |
| 7 | Kailua Kona | $1,900 |
| 8 | Lahaina | $1,920 |
| 9 | Aiea | $1,950 |
| 10 | Kihei | $2,020 |
| 11 | Haleiwa | $2,040 |
| 12 | Waikoloa | $2,060 |
| 13 | Mililani | $2,110 |
| 14 | Pearl City | $2,120 |
| 15 | Honolulu | $2,122 |
Most expensive cities for a 1-bedroom in Hawaii
Nearby cities — 1-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 1 of these cities have cheaper 1-bedroom rents than Hilo.
| City | Distance | 1-Bedroom rent | vs Hilo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keaau, HI | 17 mi | $1,400 | $-150 (-10%) |
| Waikoloa, HI | 41.9 mi | $2,060 | +$510 (+33%) |
| Kailua Kona, HI | 47.9 mi | $1,900 | +$350 (+23%) |
| Makawao, HI | 109.3 mi | $1,730 | +$180 (+12%) |
| Kihei, HI | 110.4 mi | $2,020 | +$470 (+30%) |
| Wailuku, HI | 123.6 mi | $1,580 | +$30 (+2%) |
| Lahaina, HI | 128 mi | $1,920 | +$370 (+24%) |
1-Bedroom rent in Hilo — common questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Hilo?
As of July 2026, the median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Hilo, Hawaii is $1,550 per month. This is +26% below the citywide median of $2,095.
What income do you need to afford a 1-bedroom in Hilo?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $62,000 ($5,167/month gross), which works out to roughly $29.81/hour at a full-time job.
Is Hilo expensive for a 1-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Hilo's 1-bedroom median of $1,550 is +11% above the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395. It ranks in the 60th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Hilo rank for 1-bedroom rent in Hawaii?
Among the 21 cities in Hawaii with 1-bedroom data, Hilo ranks #2 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 1-bedroom options near Hilo?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 1-bedroom rents include Keaau ($1,400).