Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dayton or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Hilo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Hilo?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Dayton Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $368Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $368, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dayton and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Dayton or Hilo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dayton Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $40
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Dayton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $105Hilo $121
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $189
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
- Daytona Beach: Paddle Pub Experience: $45
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room: $5.00
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Island: $20
- Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $60
- Walking Ghost Tour: $64
- Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument Kailua-Kona, Big Island: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Hilo $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Hilo, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Hilo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Hilo?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Dayton and Hilo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Dayton or Hilo?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Dayton or Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Hilo. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Dayton is around the same temperature as Hilo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dayton this time of the year. In the summer, Dayton often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Dayton usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilo because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dayton is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dayton in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In October, Dayton usually receives less rain than Hilo. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
The weather in Dayton can be very cold. In January, Dayton is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 30°F (-1°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Hilo. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dayton usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Hilo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Dayton is much colder than Hilo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 55°F (13°C) in April, and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dayton usually receives less rain than Hilo. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Dayton
| Dayton | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.