Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Valdosta?
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 Valdosta or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdosta or Hilo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Valdosta or Hilo?
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Valdosta Prices
USA PricesHilo Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdosta $169Hilo $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdosta is $169, 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 Valdosta and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdosta $70Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdosta $140Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Valdosta and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Valdosta 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: Valdosta Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdosta $34Hilo $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 Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $202
- Private Transfer from to Kona Airport (KOA) to Hilo Cruise Port: $202
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $201
- Luxury Airport Transfer in Hawaii: $100
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $97
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $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
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdosta or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Valdosta 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 dayValdosta $77Hilo $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kona Walking Food Tour : $155
- 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.Valdosta $19Hilo $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
- Wake up with the Whales Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 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
- Abalone Farm Tour: $35
- Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts: $50
- Best Coral Reef Snorkel Tour in Kona - Protected Marine Sanctuary: $125
- Big Island - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Driving Tour: $23
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island ATV Tour at Ohana Ranch: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdosta $27Hilo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdosta and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Valdosta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valdosta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdosta 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 Valdosta.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdosta Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Valdosta or Hilo?
Valdosta has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Valdosta 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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta or Hilo in the Summer?
Both Hilo and Valdosta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the summer, Valdosta is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdosta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Valdosta. In July, Valdosta usually receives less rain than Hilo. Valdosta gets 8.9 inches (227 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 JulyValdosta 82°F (28°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Valdosta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Valdosta is generally cooler than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Valdosta average around 69°F (20°C), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valdosta usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Valdosta gets 2.9 inches (74 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 OctoberValdosta 69°F (20°C)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Hilo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdosta and Hilo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Valdosta is much colder than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdosta averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valdosta usually receives less rain than Hilo. Valdosta gets 3.7 inches (95 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 JanuaryValdosta 51°F (11°C)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Valdosta or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Valdosta as well as Hilo. Additionally, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Valdosta is cooler than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdosta in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Valdosta usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Valdosta gets 4.1 inches (103 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 AprilValdosta 67°F (19°C)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Valdosta
| Valdosta | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 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.