Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Hilo, HI
The median monthly rent in Hilo, HI is $2,490, translating to $29,880 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.44% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Hilo spend approximately 35% of the local median household income ($84,200) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Hilo is 4.2%. This is extremely tight — expect strong tenant demand, quick lease-ups, and leverage to set favorable lease terms. In markets this tight, landlords often see multiple applications per listing. Population growth of 0.2% annually provides stable demand.
Hilo's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 18.7x. A GRM above 16x means the property is expensive relative to its income. Investors here are typically betting on appreciation rather than current cash flow. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $2,490/mo, a single-family rental in Hilo generates approximately $29,880 in gross annual income. After accounting for 4.2% vacancy ($1,255 lost), property taxes of $1,568, insurance (~$2,240), and maintenance (~$2,240), the estimated NOI is $22,577 per year, or $1,881/mo.
Hilo vs Hawaii state average and national average across key investment metrics. Hilo outperforms both benchmarks on cap rate.