Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Basse-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basse-Terre or Hilo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Basse-Terre 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: Basse-Terre or Hilo?
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasse-Terre $167Hilo $171
The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $167, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $171. 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 Basse-Terre and Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasse-Terre $99Hilo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasse-Terre $198Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre 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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices and Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basse-Terre $8.84Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Private Transfer from Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua Kona Port: $60
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $60
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $60
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $60
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Private Departure Transfer - to Keahole Kona Airport (KOA) : $72
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona city hotels: $74
- Private Transfer from Hilo Cruise Port to Kona Airport (KOA): $74
- Private Transfer from Kona City Hotels to Hilo Cruise Port : $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo and Basse-Terre 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 dayBasse-Terre $51Hilo $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Basse-Terre $51Hilo $32
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $188
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- History and Legends Walking Tour with a Smartphone App: $6.50
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
- Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate, & Unique Gifts Await!: $40
- Hamakua Coast Farm Small-Group Walking and Tasting Tour: $49
- Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise from Waikoloa: $49
- Walking Ghost Tour: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBasse-Terre $14Hilo $10
When comparing the travel costs between Basse-Terre and Hilo, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Hilo?
Hilo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Hilo?
Hilo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Hilo. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In July, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 27°C (81°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasse-Terre 27°C (81°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Hilo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives less rain than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasse-Terre 27°C (80°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Hilo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basse-Terre in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Hilo averages at about 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basse-Terre usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasse-Terre 24°C (76°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Basse-Terre is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 26°C (78°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives less rain than Hilo. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasse-Terre 26°C (78°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Basse-Terre
| Basse-Terre | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 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.