Cost of Living in Hawaii

(Last Updated – August 29,2025)

Hawaii is a dream vacation for many, but a permanent home for over 1.4 million people. Beyond the iconic beaches perfect for surfing and snorkeling, the islands offer endless adventure with abundant hiking trails and national parks.

However, paradise comes at a cost. The cost of living in Hawaii is the highest of any state. Dive in to discover a clear picture of what it truly costs to live in the Aloha State.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Average Cost of Living in Hawaii: $58,115 per year

Hawaii’s cost of living is the highest in the nation, beating out states like California, Massachusetts, and Alaska. The cost of living index created by the Missouri Economic Research and Economic Center (MERIC) sets the national average at 100, and anything higher is more expensive. Hawaii’s index score is a whopping 182.3.

What is the average cost of living in Hawaii in dollars? According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average Hawaiian spends $58,115 per year on personal consumption expenditures. That comes out to $4,843 per month for each person, or $19,372 for a family of four.

Here’s what you can expect to spend annually on each type of expense as a resident in Hawaii.

Housing Costs in Hawaii

Median Housing Costs in Hawaii: $1,391 to $3,335 per month

Given the state’s high cost of living, it’s no surprise that home prices are 226% higher than the national average of $368,581. The average home value in Hawaii is $831,289, according to Zillow. In most counties across the country, that would require a jumbo loan. But in a high cost area like Hawaii, the 2025 limit for a conforming loan is $1,209,750 statewide.

If you’d rather rent than buy, here’s what to expect each month based on home size:

•  Studio: $1,391

•  One bedroom: $1,396

•  Two bedrooms: $1,966

•  Three bedrooms: $2,656

•  Four bedrooms: $3,335

•  Five or more bedrooms: $2,633

•  Median gross rent: $1,940

Despite the high average costs, housing values here actually vary widely by location. Here are the state’s top areas and their average home values, according to Zillow.

Utility Costs in Hawaii

Average Utility Costs in Hawaii: $553.23 per month

Utilities are a must-have, with little wiggle room in terms of how much you pay each month. Here’s what the average Hawaiian pays monthly for each type of utility.

Food & Beverage

Average Food & Beverage Costs in Hawaii: $459 per month

Like most other expenses in Hawaii, the cost of groceries is higher here than in other parts of the U.S. Hawaii’s grocery index score is the highest among the areas of the Far West, including California and Alaska.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Hawaii’s per capita food cost is $5,507 a year. For groceries, the average monthly expenses for one person is $459, or $1,836 for a family of four.

The Council for Community and Economic Research assigns a cost of living index score specifically for groceries, with 100 the baseline for the country. You can see from this chart just how much higher costs are in Hawaii than in other parts of the Far West.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Hawaii: $11,078 to $20,613 per year

Transportation is actually one area where you can save in Hawaii, with average costs lower than many other parts of the U.S. The most common mode of transport is the car. Interestingly, Hawaii has a high adoption rate of electric vehicles, which increased more than 16% between June 2024 and June 2025. Most islands have public bus systems, though if you want to travel from one island to another, you’ll need to hop on a plane.

Here’s an overview of average annual transportation costs for different family sizes, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care in Hawaii

Average Health Care Costs in Hawaii: $9,107 per person, per year

Individuals living in Hawaii can expect to pay an average of $9,107 each year for health care costs. For a family of four, that equates to $36,428. It’s higher than most states in the Far West, including Oregon and Washington. The only states in the region that are more expensive are California and Alaska, which costs $13,015 per person each year.

Child Care in Hawaii

Average Child Care Costs in Hawaii: $956 to $1,690 per child, per month

How much you’ll pay for child care each month in Hawaii depends on the child’s age and the type of care environment you choose. Here’s a breakdown to compare different options at different stages of care.

Taxes in Hawaii

Maximum Income Tax Rate in Hawaii: 11%

Hawaii’s top marginal income tax rate is 11%, meaning that’s the most you’ll pay for state taxes. That rate can be lower, depending on how much taxable income you earn each year. It’s higher than many other states; in fact, only California has a higher maximum rate at 13.3%.

Miscellaneous Costs

Once you’ve covered the cost of necessities, it’s time to plan for having some fun in Hawaii. Here are some typical prices of activities you may partake in while living in the Aloha State.

•  Flight from Oahu to Maui: $135-$165

•  Surfing lesson: $75 to $175

•  Haleakalā National Park: $55 for annual entry pass

It’s still easy to soak in the sun and waves without spending much at all. Most beaches in Hawaii are free and open to the public, so you can enjoy the sound of the surf at no cost.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Hawaii?

According to the U.S. News and World Report’s Affordability Ranking, Hawaii ranks 48th for overall affordability. It’s less expensive than only New Jersey and California. It also ranks 46th for housing affordability, which could make it more difficult to qualify during the mortgage preapproval process. Exploring down payment assistance programs could help you lower monthly payments thanks to a smaller loan balance.

Data from MERIC’s first-quarter 2025 cost of living list cites Hawaii as having the highest cost of living in the entire nation, with an overall index score of 182. That’s followed by Massachusetts’ score of 145.1 and California’s 141.6.

Explore the best affordable places in every state.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Where you choose to live in Hawaii can impact how much you’ll spend on living expenses. Here are the three largest cities in the state and how they compare in terms of cost.

Honolulu

Even though it’s Hawaii’s biggest city, Honolulu is just the fourth most expensive city in the state. But it’s still 9% more expensive than the average cost of living in Hawaii overall. The median household income is $85,428, and the median home price is $834,100 — which means it could be difficult to buy your first home on a standard salary in Honolulu.

Hilo

Hilo is a less expensive option in Hawaii thanks to a cost of living that is 12% lower than the state average. Home prices are more affordable than in Honolulu, with a median price of $455,100. Plus, the median household income is $78,713. If you don’t have equity from a previous home sale to roll into the purchase, you might look into qualifying as a first-time homebuyer to take advantage of home-buying assistance.

Pearl City

Pearl City is another locale where it’s less expensive to live compared to the average cost of living in Hawaii. Expect to spend 11% less on general expenses than in other areas of the state. It’s still 43% more expensive than the cost of living in the U.S., but could help you make your Hawaiian dreams come true. The median household income is $114,682, and the median house price is $872,200.

Helpful Resources for Future Hawaii Residents