Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Hilo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hilo or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hilo or Niagara Falls? 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: Hilo or Niagara Falls?
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.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHilo $171Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $171, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Hilo and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilo $71Niagara Falls $74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilo $142Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Hilo or Niagara Falls? 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: Hilo Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilo $25Niagara Falls $16
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
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $58
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $262
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private Half Day Niagara Wine Tour Visit with Transfer Included: $199
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto downtown: $197
- Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
- Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Hilo or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Hilo 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 dayHilo $70Niagara Falls $28
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
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
- Niagara Falls Canada: Small Group Night Tour w/Boat & Dinner: $219
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hilo $32Niagara Falls $20
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
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $30
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
-
Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $299
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
- 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHilo $10Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hilo and Niagara Falls, we can see that Hilo is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilo Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilo or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo and Niagara Falls, 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 Hilo or Niagara Falls?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hilo or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
Both Niagara Falls and Hilo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Hilo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hilo is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 76°F (24°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHilo 76°F (24°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Niagara Falls. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Hilo is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Hilo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during autumn. Hilo gets 138 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hilo usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHilo 76°F (24°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Niagara Falls. Many travelers come to Hilo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hilo is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilo in January average around 72°F (22°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In the winter, Hilo often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hilo usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHilo 72°F (22°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
Both Niagara Falls and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hilo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Hilo is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 73°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. In April, Hilo usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHilo 73°F (23°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Hilo
| Hilo | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
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.