Can A Real Estate Agent Afford Rent in Hilo, HI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.5% of gross income.
Hilo rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Hawaii state estimate).
About rent and a real estate agent salary
Real estate agent pay is commission-driven and varies widely with local market conditions. The BLS mean averages high and low producers. At the national-average agent salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,640 a month in rent — though successful agents in active markets earn well above this.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Hawaii cities have lower median rent than Hilo, which improves the affordability math on a real estate agent salary:
Compare with full rent data for Hilo
View full rent data for Hilo, HI →Frequently asked questions
Can a real estate agent afford rent in Hilo, HI?
Median rent in Hilo is $2,095 a month. A typical real estate agent in Hawaii earns about $70,826 a year, which makes that rent 35.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a real estate agent afford in Hilo?
Using the 30% rule, a real estate agent salary in Hawaii (~$70,826/yr) supports up to $1,771 a month in rent. Hilo's current median rent is $2,095/mo, which is $324/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a real estate agent work to cover rent in Hilo?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a real estate agent in Hawaii works roughly 61.5 hours a month to cover Hilo's median rent of $2,095.
Where is rent cheaper than Hilo for a real estate agent?
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 real estate agent salary.