📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Hilo CDP and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Hilo CDP vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Hilo CDP | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $78,713 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.2% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $455,100 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $3,570 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 221.9 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 189.1 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 24 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Antonio vs. Hilo CDP: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Antonio, the vibrant, sprawling heart of South Texas—a city where history, culture, and modern growth collide. On the other, you have Hilo CDP, the sleepy, rain-soaked gem on the Big Island of Hawaii—a place where the pace is slow, the air is salty, and the price of paradise is steep.
Choosing between these two is like choosing between a hearty breakfast taco and a fresh poke bowl—both are delicious, but they serve wildly different appetites. As your relocation expert and data journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, polled the locals (virtually), and walked the streets to give you the unfiltered truth. Let’s settle this.
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Island Time
San Antonio is a major metropolitan area with a population of nearly 1.5 million. It’s the seventh-largest city in the U.S., and it feels it. The vibe is a unique blend of military precision (thanks to nearby bases), Texan pride, and a booming tech and healthcare scene. You’ll find a world-class River Walk, a historic Alamo, and a food scene that’s exploding with innovation. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the hip Southtown to the family-friendly Stone Oak.
Who is San Antonio for? The ambitious professional looking for career opportunities without the brutal competition of Austin or Dallas. The family seeking a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort. The culture vulture who wants museums, festivals, and live music at their doorstep.
Hilo CDP (Census Designated Place) is a different beast entirely. With a population of just 48,223, it’s a tight-knit community on the eastern, rainier side of the Big Island. This isn't the glitzy resort Hawaii of postcards; this is the real Hawaii—lush, wet, and deeply rooted in local culture. Life revolves around the ocean, the volcano (Kilauea is your neighbor), and the land. The pace is measured in "Hawaiian time." It’s quiet, deeply connected to nature, and feels a world away from mainland hustle.
Who is Hilo for? The nature lover and outdoor enthusiast who’d rather hike a rainforest than shop at a mall. The retiree or remote worker seeking tranquility and beauty over nightlife. The artist or writer looking for inspiration in the misty landscapes.
Verdict: If you crave energy, options, and growth, San Antonio is your city. If you seek peace, natural beauty, and a complete lifestyle shift, Hilo is calling your name.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. The data paints a stark picture of two very different economic realities.
Let’s break down the cost of living. The numbers below compare key expenses. I’ve used the Housing Index as a baseline—where 100 is the national average.
| Category | San Antonio | Hilo CDP | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Below Avg) | 221.9 (Way Above Avg) | Hilo is 2.3x more expensive for housing than SA. |
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $455,100 | A home in Hilo costs ~72% more than in SA. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $3,570 | Rent in Hilo is nearly triple the cost of San Antonio. |
| Utilities | ~$180/mo (Est.) | ~$300/mo (Est.) | Hilo’s humidity drives AC costs; island imports raise prices. |
| Groceries | ~10% Below Avg | ~50% Above Avg | Everything in Hilo is shipped in, inflating prices. |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
At first glance, Hilo’s median income ($78,713) looks higher than San Antonio’s ($62,322). But as any savvy economist will tell you, it’s not what you make—it’s what you keep.
Let’s run a scenario. You earn a solid $100,000 salary in both locations.
- In San Antonio: With 0% state income tax (a massive Texas perk), your take-home pay is significantly higher. Your $1,197 rent leaves you with thousands in discretionary income. You can live comfortably, save aggressively, and still afford to dine out and enjoy the city. Your $100k feels like $110k in many other states.
- In Hilo: Hawaii has a progressive income tax, with rates up to 11% for top earners. On a $100k salary, you could pay over $7,000 in state income tax. Then, you’re hit with that $3,570 rent. After taxes and housing, your disposable income is squeezed tight. That same $100k feels more like $70k in purchasing power.
Insight: The "Sticker Shock" in Hilo is real. You’re paying a premium for the island lifestyle. In San Antonio, you’re getting incredible "Bang for your Buck."
The Tax Factor: Don’t forget property taxes. Texas has no income tax but some of the highest property taxes in the nation (around 1.8% of assessed value). Even so, on a $264,900 home, you’re looking at roughly $4,768 annually. In Hawaii, property taxes are lower (around 0.3% for a primary residence), but with a much higher home price, your annual bill on a $455,100 home would be about $1,365. The math is complex, but the overall cost of living still heavily favors San Antonio.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio: This is a balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. Inventory is improving, and while prices have risen steadily, they remain accessible compared to national averages. The median home price of $264,900 is a gateway to homeownership. Renting is also a viable, affordable option. Competition exists for well-priced homes, but it’s not the frenzied bidding war seen in coastal metros.
Hilo CDP: This is a tight, seller’s market. Limited land (it’s an island!) and high demand from mainlanders seeking a tropical haven have driven prices up. With a median home price of $455,100 and a sky-high Housing Index of 221.9, buying is a serious financial commitment. Rent is astronomically high and scarce. You’ll face stiff competition for any rental, and vacancy rates are extremely low.
Verdict: For affordability and accessibility, San Antonio wins this round decisively. Hilo is a premium market for those with significant capital.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is real, but manageable. The city is designed for cars, with major highways (I-10, I-35, Loop 1604). Commute times average 25-35 minutes. Public transit (VIA) exists but isn’t as robust as in larger cities.
- Hilo: Traffic is minimal. Commutes are short and scenic. The challenge isn’t congestion; it’s the road conditions. Narrow, winding roads with heavy rain can make driving an adventure. The real commute is often to Kona (on the other side of the island) which can take over an hour.
Weather
- San Antonio: Hot. Summers are consistently in the 90s°F with high humidity. Winters are mild and short-lived. You’ll get used to the heat, but it’s a defining factor of life here. Tornadoes and severe storms can occur.
- Hilo: Perpetually mild and wet. The average temperature is a perfect 73.0°F year-round. However, Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the U.S., with over 130 inches of rain annually. It’s not drizzle; it’s torrential downpours. Humidity is near-constant. If you hate gray skies and mud, this is a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical area where the data is clear. I’ll be honest with you.
- San Antonio: Violent crime is a significant concern. At 798.0 incidents per 100,000 people, it is more than three times the national average. While the city has many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, crime rates vary dramatically by area. You must do your research on specific locations.
- Hilo CDP: Violent crime is notably lower at 234.0 incidents per 100,000 people, which is closer to the national average. Generally, Hilo is considered a safe community. However, property crime (theft, car break-ins) can be an issue, as in many tourist-adjacent areas.
Verdict: From a pure safety perspective, Hilo is statistically safer. However, San Antonio’s safety is highly dependent on neighborhood choice.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?
This isn’t about declaring a single winner. It’s about finding the right fit for your life stage and priorities.
Winner for Families: San Antonio
With affordable housing ($264,900 median home), a lower cost of living, good schools in the suburbs, and endless family-friendly activities (zoos, parks, cultural festivals), San Antonio provides a stable, enriching environment for raising children. The higher crime rate is a caveat, but by choosing the right neighborhood (like Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, or Terrell Hills), families can thrive.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: San Antonio
The career opportunities in tech, healthcare, and military contracting are robust. The nightlife, food scene, and social vibe are vibrant and affordable. You can build a career and a social life without being house-poor. Hilo’s limited job market (outside of tourism/healthcare) and high cost of living make it a tough sell for career-driven young adults.
Winner for Retirees: It Depends.
- For the Active, Social Retiree: San Antonio offers a dynamic, engaging retirement with low taxes, great healthcare (Methodist, University Health), and a built-in community. The heat is the only downside.
- For the Nature-Loving, Tranquil Retiree: Hilo is a paradise. If you have a solid retirement fund to handle the high cost of living, the mild weather, stunning beauty, and peaceful pace are unparalleled. The lower violent crime rate is a plus. Just be prepared for the rain and isolation.
Pros & Cons At-a-Glance
San Antonio: The Alamo City
Pros:
- Affordability: Low cost of living, especially housing.
- 0% State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
- Major Metro Amenities: World-class dining, culture, sports (Spurs!), and healthcare.
- Strong Job Market: Diverse and growing industries.
- Family-Friendly: Great suburbs and activities for kids.
Cons:
- High Violent Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
- Brutal Summers: Heat and humidity can be oppressive.
- Traffic & Sprawl: A car is a necessity; commute times can be long.
- Limited Natural Scenery: Lacks mountains, oceans, and lush landscapes.
Hilo CDP: The Hawaiian Hideaway
Pros:
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Lush rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the ocean.
- Mild, Tropical Weather: No snow, no extreme heat. Average 73°F.
- Lower Violent Crime: Safer community feel.
- Unique Culture & Pace: Deep connection to the land and ocean, "aloha" lifestyle.
- Outdoor Paradise: Unbeatable hiking, snorkeling, and stargazing.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: High rent ($3,570), expensive groceries, and island premiums.
- Limited Job Market: Few career options outside of tourism, healthcare, and service.
- Constant Rain: Over 130 inches annually. Can be mentally draining.
- Isolation: Far from the mainland, expensive to travel.
- Limited City Amenities: Fewer shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Antonio if you want a vibrant, affordable life with big-city opportunities and don’t mind the heat (and can navigate safety concerns). Choose Hilo if you can afford the premium and are willing to trade career hustle and sunshine for unparalleled natural beauty and a slower, more mindful existence.