Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Eugene?
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 Eugene or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Eugene and Hilo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Eugene or Hilo?
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Eugene is most recognized as the home of the University of Oregon. It's a smaller city with a liberal population that is generally concerned about environmental issues. A popular experience in Eugene is to go to the Saturday Market, which has been around since 1970 and is the oldest open air market in the United States.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Eugene Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEugene $190Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Eugene is $190, 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 Eugene and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEugene $97Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEugene $194Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Eugene and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Eugene 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: Eugene Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eugene $37Hilo $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
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Eugene or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Eugene 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 dayEugene $71Hilo $121
Typical Food Prices in Eugene
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Eugene:
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Sam Bonds Food and Music (for 2)$16
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Morning Glory Cafe Breakfast (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience: $150
- 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.Eugene -Hilo $32
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
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- 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
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEugene -Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eugene and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Eugene much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eugene would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eugene 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 Hilo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilo than you might in Eugene.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eugene Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eugene or Hilo?
Eugene has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Eugene 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 Eugene 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 Eugene or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Eugene during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Eugene is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eugene in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eugene usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Eugene gets 0.3 inches (8 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 JulyEugene 68°F (20°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Hilo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Eugene and Hilo. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Eugene is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Eugene average around 55°F (13°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Eugene gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Eugene usually receives less rain than Hilo. Eugene gets 4.3 inches (109 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 OctoberEugene 55°F (13°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Eugene as well as Hilo. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Eugene is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Eugene averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Eugene receives a lot of rain in the winter. Eugene usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Eugene gets 7.1 inches (181 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 JanuaryEugene 41°F (5°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Eugene or Hilo in the Spring?
Both Hilo and Eugene are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Eugene is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eugene in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In April, Eugene usually receives less rain than Hilo. Eugene gets 2.2 inches (57 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 AprilEugene 51°F (11°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Eugene
| Eugene | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 48°F (9°C) | 4.6 inches (118 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (34 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 63°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 42°F (5°C) | 6.3 inches (161 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.