Cost of Living in Hawaii [2025]

Aloha and welcome to the paradise of Hawaii! While the scenery is undeniably breathtaking and the beaches are postcard-perfect, Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states in the U.S., so you need to know what you’re in for if you plan to move there.

This blog will be your guide to navigating the financial realities of island life, from rental costs and utility bills to groceries and transportation. We'll break down the different expenses you can expect and offer tips to help you budget effectively so you can enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer without breaking the bank.

Cost of Living in Hawaii

What Is the Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Let’s be honest: Living in one of the most beautiful archipelagos on earth doesn’t come cheap. Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the top 10 most expensive states in the nation, and for good reason.

With its isolated location in the Pacific Ocean, limited land availability, and high demand from both residents and investors, the Aloha State presents some unique financial challenges. Hawaii’s cost of living index is 165.7, among the highest in the nation, meaning the cost of living in the state is nearly 66% above the national average.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Hawaii?

Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the U.S., and within it, East Honolulu is among the most expensive. Its overall cost of living index is 171.5, compared to the U.S. average of 100.

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Hawaii?

If you’re looking for a more affordable slice of paradise, Hilo is a good option. Its overall cost of living, 131.9, is lower than the Hawaii average of 193.3, though still well above the national average of 100.

H2: What Is the Average Rent in Hawaii?

Right now, renting in Hawaii definitely depends on where you end up living. In Honolulu, a one-bedroom averages about $3,174, and a two-bedroom averages $3,463—pricey even by island standards. Kapolei isn’t far behind those prices. Head over to Hilo, though, and the story shifts: Rents there are much more wallet-friendly, setting closer to $1,263 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,450 for two-bedrooms.

Hawaii’s rental market follows a familiar pattern: coastal hot spots like Honolulu and Kapolei command sky-high prices, while smaller towns such as Hilo offer a better bang for your buck.

How Much Is Housing in Hawaii?

Buying a home in Hawaii can come with sticker shock, but each city is priced differently. In East Honolulu, the median price of a home is around $1.2 million, while nearby Kapolei comes in a bit lower at $865,400. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Hilo on the Big Island is a more appropriate choice at $463,400.

Even Hawaii’s affordable homes are well above the national median of $338,100, but for many buyers, the trade-off is waking up to ocean views, lush landscapes, and a paradise lifestyle.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Hawaii?

Figuring out how much you need to earn to live comfortably in Hawaii starts with one golden guideline: the 30% rule, which suggests you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your gross income on housing. With average one-bedroom rents in Honolulu hovering around $3,174 a month, that means you’d need to earn roughly $126,960 a year to stay comfortably within that guideline.

That number can feel a little intimidating, but here’s the good news: The median household income in Hawaii is about $98,317, which is higher than the national median of around $78,538. So if you’re open to more affordable areas like Hilo, your required income drops significantly.

It’s also helpful to look at the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which estimates that a single adult in Hawaii needs at least $29.92 per hour to cover the basics, while a single parent with two children needs closer to $54.33 per hour to remain above the poverty threshold. Keep in mind that those numbers cover necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, but not extras like travel, savings, or debt payments. To see what works for your lifestyle, try using our handy rent calculator to find apartments within your budget.

How Much Is Transportation in Hawaii?

When it comes to getting around, transportation in Hawaii isn’t cheap. According to MIT Living Wage data, a single adult spends about $11,078 per year on car-based transportation. For a family of two working adults and two children, that cost jumps to $18,582.

In Honolulu, public transit is better than in many U.S. cities, especially in denser areas, like Honolulu. Here, for example, the walk score is 66, the public transit score is 56, and the bike score is 51. Still, most people in Hawaii rely on cars.

How Much Are Groceries in Hawaii?

Food comes with a hefty price tag in Hawaii. According to MIT Living Wage data, a single adult spends around $5,601 per year on groceries. For a family of two working adults and two children, the bill jumps to about $16,418 annually.

According to Numbeo, a gallon of milk costs $7.79, and a loaf of bread costs about $5.97. When it comes to dining out, an inexpensive restaurant meal might be in the $20 to $25 range, but a midrange restaurant meal for two can often be $100 or more.

Because local ingredients have to be shipped across a long distance, grocery bills tend to reflect that extra cost. If you purchase local Hawaiian products, such as poke, plate lunches, fresh fish, and tropical fruits, you may save a bit compared to imported goods.

How Much Is Child Care in Hawaii?

Child care in Hawaii is famously expensive. According to recent data, the average cost of infant care in a licensed center is $22,000 per year. If you have two children needing care, expect your costs to double. You’re likely looking at combining different rates (infant preschool), which can easily push your child care expenses well into the $30,000 a year range.

How Much Is Healthcare in Hawaii?

Healthcare is pricey on the islands. Based on MIT Living Wage data, a single adult can expect to spend about $2,562 a year on medical expenses. For a family of four, that cost rises to $8,064 annually.

How Much Are Utilities in Hawaii?

Living in Hawaii means higher utility bills. For a typical 915-square-foot apartment, expect to pay around $262.22 per month for basic utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. Mobile phone plans average $72.15 per month, and internet costs about $67.46 monthly. These rates are on the higher end compared to many U.S. cities, reflecting the unique challenges of living on an archipelago.

Hawaii Fitness and Entertainment

The cost of fitness in Hawaii can vary greatly depending on what kind of gym you want to visit. Budget gyms like Planet Fitness typically have the most affordable memberships, ranging from $10 to $20 per month, with an additional annual fee. These gyms may have limited amenities and class offerings.

National Gyms like LA Fitness generally fall in the middle range, costing around $40 to $70 per month. The YMCA in Honolulu charges a monthly fee of $66 for an adult aged 27 to 64, plus a $99 joiner’s fee. Similarly, a local gym called Island Gym and Fitness in Kauai costs $60 a month for an adult membership. These types of gyms often have more extensive equipment, class options, and amenities compared to budget gyms. Finally, boutique studios offering specialized classes like Pilates, yoga, or spin can cost significantly more, sometimes exceeding $100 per month.

How Much Are Taxes in Hawaii?

Hawaii has a 4.00% state sales tax rate and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 4.50%. The state also has a very low effective property tax rate of 0.26% on owner-occupied housing. Overall, Hawaii ranks No. 42 in the U.S. for tax burden.

Hawaii’s Job Market

Hawaii’s job market is relatively healthy, with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. The state’s leading industries include education, nonprofits, construction, finance, and tourism, offering a mix of stable and seasonal opportunities.

Some of the top employers in Hawaii are household names like Hawaiian Airlines, Matson, Servco Pacific, and Hawaiian Electric, providing a range of roles from corporate to operational positions. While tourism drives much of the economy, sectors like education and finance help keep the job market diverse and resilient.

Find Your Next Apartment in Hawaii

Now that you’re fully informed about how much it costs to live in Hawaii, it might be time to start looking for apartments! We’re here to help. At Apartment List, we gather information about your preferences (location, budget, and amenities), and then flex those preferences to show you even more options. Get started by taking the fast and easy Apartment List quiz.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Hawaii 2025

Why is Hawaii expensive?

Hawaii’s high cost of living comes down to its island reality: Almost everything—from groceries to furniture—needs to be shipped in, driving up prices. Add limited housing, strong demand, and a world-famous lifestyle, and it’s no surprise that living here costs a pretty penny!

How much is rent in Hawaii?

Rent in Hawaii varies a lot depending on where you live. In Honolulu, a one-bedroom averages $3,174, and a two-bedroom around $3,463. Over in Hilo, rents are much more budget-friendly, closer to $1,263 for one-bedroom apartments.

What’s the minimum wage in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s minimum wage is set at $14.00 per hour, but will rise to $16.00 per hour on January 1, 2026. For comparison, the U.S. federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Hawaii?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult without children in Hawaii needs about $29.92 per hour to cover basic expenses and remain above the poverty threshold, while a family of four with two working adults and two children would need roughly $35.38 per hour each, totaling $70.76 hourly for the household.