A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Hilo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or Hilo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Hilo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Hilo?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Veracruz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Veracruz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Hilo Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Veracruz $143
    Hilo $222

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, 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 Veracruz and Hilo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $49
    Hilo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $98
    Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Hilo

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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.

Hotels in Veracruz


Hotels in Hilo


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $26
    Hilo $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo

Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $204
  • Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $204
  • Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $201
  • Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $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 Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Hilo?

Prices for flights to both Hilo and Veracruz 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Veracruz $78
    Hilo $121

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $13
    Hilo $32

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $127
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $105
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full-Day Tour to El Tajin and Vanilla Factory from Veracruz: $138
  • Jalcomulco Rapids Adventure from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $141

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
  • 2-Hour Hilo Ghost Walks Tour: $59
  • 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $253
  • Abalone Farm Tour: $35
  • Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
  • 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 Full Circle with Volcanoes and Akaka Falls Tour: $210
  • Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Big Island Hawaii Volcano Day tour from Oahu and Hotel PU: $545
  • Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $16
    Hilo $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Veracruz and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Veracruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Veracruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Veracruz 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 Veracruz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Veracruz Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Hilo?

Veracruz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Hilo in the Summer?

Both Hilo and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Veracruz is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Veracruz in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during summer. Veracruz gets 208 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. It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Hilo. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Hilo 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Hilo in the Autumn?

Both Hilo and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.

In October, Veracruz is generally around the same temperature as Hilo. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In the autumn, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Veracruz gets 188 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets less rain in October than Hilo. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Hilo 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Hilo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Hilo. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Veracruz is around the same temperature as Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 21°C (71°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Veracruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilo during winter. Veracruz gets 156 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, Veracruz usually receives less rain than Hilo. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Hilo 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Veracruz or Hilo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Hilo. Also, many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Veracruz is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Veracruz in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Veracruz this time of the year. In the spring, Veracruz often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilo. Veracruz usually gets less rain in April than Hilo. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Hilo 73°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Hilo and Veracruz

Veracruz Hilo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 10.8 inches (274 mm)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 13.6 inches (345 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 15.6 inches (395 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 10.7 inches (272 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 75°F (24°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 76°F (25°C) 9.7 inches (247 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 76°F (25°C) 8.5 inches (215 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 76°F (24°C) 9.8 inches (248 mm)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 74°F (24°C) 14.8 inches (375 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 12.6 inches (321 mm)