2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Hilo, HI vs Gainesville, FL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Gainesville or is it cheaper to live in Hilo?
- Gainesville is 30.1% less expensive than Hilo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Gainesville or Hilo?
- Gainesville housing costs are 41.8% less expensive than Hilo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Hilo or is Health Care more affordable in Gainesville.
- Health related expenses are 7.9% more in Gainesville.
 Hilo, HIGainesville, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock92.2100
 Food & Groceries152.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.6100
 Housing135.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$271,700$338,100
 Utilities194  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.5100
 Miscellaneous108.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Hilo    10 Reviews

If you’re looking at Hilo, then you’re likely being recruited in the medical or education fields. These are where the greatest needs of the community lie, and there are  More

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Over 5 years ago

I enjoyed living in Hawaii County for a number of years, most in Hilo. While Hilo has problems, they are few compared to mainland USA. I never experienced racism by  More

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Over 5 years ago

Too much racism from "native Hawaiians" who aren't actually natives. That keeps me from living in that paradise. I'm this is the "natives" goal.  More

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Reviews for Gainesville    60 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

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Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

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Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

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