2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Hilo, HI vs Palmer, AK

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Highlights
Are people in Palmer older or younger than people in Hilo?
- The Median Age in Palmer is 9.4 years younger than in Hilo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palmer or Hilo?
- Palmer housing costs are 24.2% less expensive than Hilo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palmer or Hilo?
- The average commute for residents of Palmer is 12.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Hilo.

Things to do in Hilo?
Hilo, Hawaii makes the perfect spot for anyone looking for water-related activities such as swimming at Richardson Ocean Park or exploring Lyman Museum & Mission House while also offering stunning views of Mauna Loa Volcano.

Things to do in Palmer?
Living in Palmer, AK is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to call home. The outdoors offer countless activities, from hiking to fishing and hunting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including local trails and nearby parks and recreation areas. Shopping in Palmer is also convenient with an array of stores to choose from. Public transportation makes getting around easy whether you need to get to Anchorage or Wasilla. Overall, Palmer is a wonderful place to live with its small-town charm and proximity to so many outdoor attractions.

 Hilo, HIPalmer, AKUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,978329,725,481
 Median Income$70,356  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock30.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$463,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.63  Unlock26.38
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 4 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 4 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 Palmer    3 Reviews

The first time I saw Palmer was in 1974. It's grown up from the old days of farm country complete with 4-H clubs, fields of crops and livestock. Gone are most of the  More

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Over 19 years ago

The four months of cold and dark. Winter lasts about 8 months, but the real cold, dark lasts about 4 months. It is getting harder and harder to deal with as I get  More

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Over 19 years ago

I have lived in Palmer for 11 years. I love everything about it except about four months of the dark, cold winters. The people are  More

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