Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Hilo, HI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.7% of gross income.
Hilo rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Hawaii state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Hawaii cities have lower median rent than Hilo, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilo
View full rent data for Hilo, HI →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Hilo, HI?
Median rent in Hilo is $2,095 a month. A typical plumber in Hawaii earns about $72,468 a year, which makes that rent 34.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Hilo?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Hawaii (~$72,468/yr) supports up to $1,812 a month in rent. Hilo's current median rent is $2,095/mo, which is $283/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Hilo?
At an hourly equivalent of about $35 an hour, a plumber in Hawaii works roughly 60.1 hours a month to cover Hilo's median rent of $2,095.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilo for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.