Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Fairfield?
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 Fairfield or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fairfield and Hilo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fairfield or Hilo?
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Fairfield Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairfield $153Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $153, 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 Fairfield and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairfield $97Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairfield $194Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Fairfield 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: Fairfield Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairfield -Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
- Private Transfer from to Kona Airport (KOA) to Hilo Cruise Port: $203
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $97
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Arrival Transfer from Keahole Kona Airport KOA: $72
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Fairfield 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 dayFairfield $53Hilo $121
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
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.Fairfield $13Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
- 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
- 3.5 Hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $99
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
- Big Island Family Off Road Farm Adventure: $129
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $33
- Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
- Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131
- Big Island Kohala Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairfield -Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairfield and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairfield Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Hilo?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield 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 Fairfield or Hilo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Fairfield or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Fairfield is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. Fairfield usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Fairfield gets 439 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. In July, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Hilo. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairfield 73°F (23°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Fairfield during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Fairfield is cooler than Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. In the autumn, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Fairfield gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fairfield usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairfield 62°F (17°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Hilo. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Fairfield is much colder than Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairfield in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
Fairfield usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Fairfield gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Fairfield usually receives less rain than Hilo. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairfield 46°F (8°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Hilo. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In April, Fairfield is generally much colder than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 56°F (13°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In the spring, Fairfield often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Fairfield gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Fairfield usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairfield 56°F (13°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Fairfield
| Fairfield | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 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.