Hilo, Hawaii
In Hilo, Hawaii, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.23 as of 2026-03-23 — $1.78 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $3,638.47, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.18% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Hilo's cost-of-living index of 155 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$5.23
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$3,638.47
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.18%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$25.57
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $2.28 | $2.69 | $3.44 | $5.09 | $2.86 | +25.4% |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.36 | $4.67 | $4.67 | $4.76 | $4.95 | +13.5% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.82 | $6.04 | $6.22 | $6.60 | $6.80 | +41.1% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.63 | $3.59 | $3.80 | $4.11 | $4.23 | +60.8% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $4.51 | $4.83 | $5.07 | $5.12 | $5.07 | +12.4% |
| Butter (lb) | $5.02 | $5.62 | $5.90 | $6.14 | $6.32 | +25.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | $7.93 | $8.56 | $9.16 | $9.53 | $9.82 | +23.8% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $7.01 | $7.56 | $7.71 | $7.94 | $8.26 | +17.8% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.78 | $2.22 | $2.31 | $2.36 | $2.38 | +33.7% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $5.02 | $5.77 | $6.00 | $6.12 | $6.30 | +25.5% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $10.27 | $12.20 | $13.31 | $13.70 | $14.25 | +38.8% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.68 | $5.58 | $6.08 | $6.57 | $6.76 | +44.4% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.73 | $4.96 | $5.16 | $5.42 | $5.47 | +15.6% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $5.44 | $5.65 | $5.93 | $6.11 | $6.11 | +12.3% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.71 | $3.00 | $3.18 | $3.34 | $3.47 | +28.0% |
| Lettuce (head) | $2.15 | $2.39 | $2.61 | $2.69 | $2.72 | +26.5% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $6.91 | $8.55 | $9.14 | $9.51 | $9.60 | +38.9% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $5.28 | $5.70 | $6.04 | $6.28 | $6.41 | +21.4% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.91 | $6.73 | $7.27 | $7.56 | $7.79 | +31.8% |
| Frozen Pizza | $7.72 | $9.17 | $9.90 | $10.28 | $10.48 | +35.8% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$25.57
Casual Dining
$51.09
Monthly Spend
$783.71
+4.73% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $15.85
$25.57
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $17.90
$27.62
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $19.18
$28.64
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $8.29
$11.51
+38.8%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Hilo?
Average 1BR: $3,307.7/mo · 2BR: $4,134.9/mo
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