Studio Apartment Rent in Hilo, HI
Median asking rent for a studio apartment in Hilo, Hawaii as of July 2026. That's +27% lower than the citywide median of $2,095 and +18% above the national studio median of $1,290.
Income needed for a studio 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 studio at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Hilo
Compare Hilo's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a studio in Hawaii
| # | City | Studio rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keaau | $1,320 |
| 2 | Hilo (this page) | $1,520 |
| 3 | Wailuku | $1,570 |
| 4 | Waianae | $1,660 |
| 5 | Waipahu | $1,690 |
| 6 | Makawao | $1,720 |
| 7 | Aiea | $1,800 |
| 8 | Kailua Kona | $1,850 |
| 9 | Haleiwa | $1,880 |
| 10 | Lahaina | $1,910 |
| 11 | Mililani | $1,940 |
| 12 | Pearl City | $1,950 |
| 13 | Honolulu | $1,953 |
| 14 | Kaneohe | $2,000 |
| 15 | Kihei | $2,010 |
Most expensive cities for a studio in Hawaii
Nearby cities — studio rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 1 of these cities have cheaper studio rents than Hilo.
| City | Distance | Studio rent | vs Hilo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keaau, HI | 17 mi | $1,320 | $-200 (-13%) |
| Waikoloa, HI | 41.9 mi | $2,010 | +$490 (+32%) |
| Kailua Kona, HI | 47.9 mi | $1,850 | +$330 (+22%) |
| Makawao, HI | 109.3 mi | $1,720 | +$200 (+13%) |
| Kihei, HI | 110.4 mi | $2,010 | +$490 (+32%) |
| Wailuku, HI | 123.6 mi | $1,570 | +$50 (+3%) |
| Lahaina, HI | 128 mi | $1,910 | +$390 (+26%) |
Studio rent in Hilo — common questions
How much is a studio apartment in Hilo?
As of July 2026, the median studio apartment rent in Hilo, Hawaii is $1,520 per month. This is +27% below the citywide median of $2,095.
What income do you need to afford a studio in Hilo?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $60,800 ($5,067/month gross), which works out to roughly $29.23/hour at a full-time job.
Is Hilo expensive for a studio compared to the rest of the US?
Hilo's studio median of $1,520 is +18% above the national studio median of $1,290. It ranks in the 66th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Hilo rank for studio rent in Hawaii?
Among the 21 cities in Hawaii with studio data, Hilo ranks #2 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper studio options near Hilo?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper studio rents include Keaau ($1,320).