Assisted Living Communities in Hilo, Hawaii

In Hilo, assisted living rates average $3,825 per month, making this city a relatively economical option for those seeking long-term residential care. Local rates are well below the state norm of $5,375 and the national average of $4,500, and they come in about 30% lower than rates in the state’s capital city of Honolulu. Limited cost data is available in Hawaii, but seniors can look outside the state to see how Hilo’s rates compare to regional norms. In Anchorage, AK, monthly care costs are much higher than in Hilo at $6,765. Similarly, in the California cities of Santa Cruz and Salinas, seniors pay respective monthly rates of $5,550 and $6,000.

 

In Hilo, assisted living facilities typically charge $3,825 per month for long-term care.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Hawaii page.

Assisted living is one of the more affordable long-term care options in Hilo, with seniors paying about $3,825 per month. While adult day health care costs about 63% less, it doesn’t include housing, which can be pricey in Hilo. Seniors who opt for in-home care pay $5,291 for services, and home health care is even costlier at $5,529. Nursing home care is also costlier than assisted living, exceeding its monthly rate by nearly 200%.

In Hilo, assisted living facilities are required to obtain licensing through the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance. This office has rules in place that all facilities must follow related to housing requirements, care planning, staffing and nutrition services. It monitors local facilities through its Hilo office, which individuals can reach at (808) 974-6006.

 

• Hilo seniors pay state income taxes on withdrawals from retirement accounts and private pension income, and there are no deductions available to reduce the burden. However, Social Security benefits or income from public pensions aren't taxed, which can help older adults afford local assisted living expenses.
• Particle pollution levels are very low in Hilo, which may support the health and comfort of older adults. The American Lung Association gives the region a passing score for annual particle pollution and the highest grade available for 24-hour particle pollution, making it a favorable option for those considering long-term care facilities in Hawaii.
• While the overall cost of living in Hilo is greater than in a typical U.S. city, it’s low by Hawaii’s standard. On a 100-point index based on living costs nationwide, the city rates 125.9, about 40 points below Hawaii’s norm. Groceries, housing and utilities are pricey in this city, but choosing residential care may help retirees maintain control over monthly expenses.
• Crime, especially violent crime, is uncommon in Hilo, which may provide peace of mind to those considering this community for long-term care. The city scores 10.4 for violent crime and 32.8 for property crime versus respective national scores of 22.7 and 35.4. Property crime rates have been declining steadily over the past two decades, and historically, violent crime occurs at a lower frequency here than in most Hawaii communities.
• Hilo’s weather is pleasant throughout the year, with daytime temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the early autumn, making this one of the cooler places to live in Hawaii. It’s one of the wettest places in the United States with about 143 inches of rain, but measurable snowfall is very rare. To keep residents comfortable, assisted living facilities typically offer individual climate controls in residents' rooms.
• Hilo Medical Center is located in Hilo, giving residents access to a range of specialties such as cardiology, cancer care and emergency services. Health care is comparatively affordable, coming in about 10% below the national norm, which may benefit those considering assisted living in this city.