Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Hilo, HI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.2% of gross income.
Hilo rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Hawaii state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Hawaii cities have lower median rent than Hilo, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilo
View full rent data for Hilo, HI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Hilo, HI?
Median rent in Hilo is $2,095 a month. A typical carpenter in Hawaii earns about $65,815 a year, which makes that rent 38.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Hilo?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Hawaii (~$65,815/yr) supports up to $1,645 a month in rent. Hilo's current median rent is $2,095/mo, which is $450/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Hilo?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a carpenter in Hawaii works roughly 66.2 hours a month to cover Hilo's median rent of $2,095.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilo for a carpenter?
Nearby Hawaii cities with lower median rent include Wahiawa ($2,093/mo), Wahiawa ($2,087/mo), Waianae ($2,086/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.