Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Hilo, HI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.3% of gross income.
Hilo rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Hawaii state estimate).
About rent and a hvac technician salary
HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Hawaii cities have lower median rent than Hilo, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilo
View full rent data for Hilo, HI →Frequently asked questions
Can a hvac technician afford rent in Hilo, HI?
Median rent in Hilo is $2,129 a month. A typical hvac technician in Hawaii earns about $61,884 a year, which makes that rent 41.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Hilo?
Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Hawaii (~$61,884/yr) supports up to $1,547 a month in rent. Hilo's current median rent is $2,129/mo, which is $582/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Hilo?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a hvac technician in Hawaii works roughly 71.6 hours a month to cover Hilo's median rent of $2,129.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilo for a hvac technician?
Nearby Hawaii cities with lower median rent include Wahiawa ($2,125/mo), Waianae ($2,124/mo), Wahiawa ($2,117/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.