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Cost of Living in Hawaii 2023

Considering a move to Hawaii? It’s beautiful here, but paradise comes at a cost so high, that it can be a deterrent for many folks. Here is everything you need to know about the cost of living in Hawaii.

By REAL. Updated Oct 01, 2023. | Living in Hawaii | 10 min. read
  1. Average IncomeJump
  2. Housing CostsJump
  3. UtilitiesJump
  4. TransportationJump
  5. Groceries and Dining OutJump
  6. Taxes and InsuranceJump
  7. EducationJump
  8. Ways to SaveJump

Average Income

In order to "be happy" in Hawaii in 2023, one study reports that you’ll need a whopping salary of just under $200,000. (Of course, every report is different and the standards of living vary according to each person and their measures of "happiness.") The Living Wage Calculator from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) says that one adult in Honolulu needs to make $22.76 per hour for a living wage. If that is a couple (both working) with 2 children, each adult needs to make $30.32 per hour.

According to Payscale, the average salary in the island's capital, Honolulu, is $74,000, but the state has the second-highest income tax rates in the country, with its top bracket at 11 percent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median U.S. salary, as of the 2nd quarter in 2023, is $57,200 ($1,100 weekly). In another analysis by Indeed.com in September 2023, the average salary in Hawaii for an office assistant is $38,472 while the average salary for a physician is $210,048. Most of this data is unadjusted and based on job posts and user verification.

But for many people, even with increasing inflation, Honolulu’s appealing qualities balance out the potentially lower wages and high cost of living.

Housing Costs

Renting in Hawaii is much more expensive than most places on the mainland – and it all depends on location. For example, a studio on Oahu can range from $1,000 to more than $1,600 per month and that’s not including utilities, which can be around $150 per month for one person. A one-bedroom apartment or home can range from about $1,500 to more than $2,000 per month and a two-bedroom apartment or a house will start at $1,800 per month. Looking at a luxurious, new one-bedroom condo? Expect to fork out at least $3,000 a month.

You can always opt to live outside of Honolulu’s center or even consider the other Hawaiian Islands – the Big Island’s Hilo is nearly 49 to 56 percent lower than Honolulu, plus offers a laidback and relaxing small-town vibe that may be appealing than the hustle and bustle of the city.

Homes for sale in Hilo between $300k and $600k

If you’re looking to buy, the median sales price of a single-family home on Oahu is $1,100,055 as of November 2023. The median sales price for a condo on Oahu is $516,179. Despite the high prices, increase of interest rates, and lack of inventory, Oahu continues to see demand in home and condo sales.

Homes and condos for sale on Oahu between $600k and $900k

OPEN: 03/31, 1pm - 4pm
Great alternative to a single family home and perfect for the first-time homeowner! Rarely available Village Green townhome with no neighbor above or below and ample street parking right in front that leads guests to a gated courtyard entrance with sliding glass doors to your living room. Towards the back of this townhome, is the dining area and kitchen with a door to the pool, recreation area and your parking stalls nearby. A bedroom with loft and a full bath completes the first level living area. Upstairs, you will find two bedrooms with a full bath. Features include vaulted ceilings, bamboo flooring, remodeled kitchen and downstairs bath (2018/2019) with handles and hardware from Fiddlers, open courtyard perfect for outdoor entertaining and conveniently located at the entrance to Hahaione Valley and close to shopping, dining, beaches and more. Truly, East Honolulu's best value.
Townhome in village green
$699,000 | 3 bd, 2 ba | 1,305 sqft
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OPEN: 04/07, 2pm - 5pm
Nestled on the hills of Makakilo, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse stands as a serene retreat. Recently renovated in 2019, its contemporary updates beautifully enhance both the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The modernized kitchen and bathrooms, alongside a spacious, private backyard with ample storage space, set the stage for exceptional entertainment possibilities. The HOA replaced the roof in 2022, adding to the property’s appeal, which also boasts two sought-after covered parking spaces. Beyond its three bedrooms, the home features a versatile loft on the fourth level, offering a secluded multi-purpose space. This townhouse is situated a stone’s throw from prominent shopping centers and eateries. Makakilo offers a breezy, cooler climate atop its scenic hills, providing residents with panoramic ocean views and a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle, away from the city’s hustle yet close enough for convenience.
Townhome in palehua hillside
$650,000 | 3 bd, 3 ba | 1,464 sqft
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OPEN: 03/31, 2pm - 5pm
Absolute bargain! Unbelievable price! Well maintained 3 bedroom/2 bath single family home in the heart of Historic Ewa Villages/Tenney Village in Ewa Beach. Home features large fenced-in yard, attached 1-car carport, extra wide drive way that easily fits two cars side by side, solar hot water, 20 panel (owned) PV system, above ground koi pond, two outdoor sheds for extra storage, and much more. Extremely low HOA of just $30. New roof in 2020. Repainted in 2020. Conveniently located near parks, golf courses, beaches, shopping, and restaurants. Hurry, it won't last long at this price.
Home in ewa villages
$830,000 | 3 bd, 2 ba | 1,080 sqft
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Alternatively, buying a piece of land and building your own home could be more affordable, but that depends on location and your general contractor. You can find the average costs associated with building your own home in Hawaii in this blog post.

Buying Strategy

For those who can't afford a single-family home or condo, look for new affordable housing developments - they provide opportunities to qualified applicants so they can purchase new housing for below-market prices.

Utilities

Hawaii’s residents pay the most when it comes to monthly energy bills in the nation. According to Payless Power's report on electricity rates by state, you can expect to pay an average of $393.87 per month for electricity. Electric bills will vary depending on the type of residence you live in, how many people you live with, how often you're at home, and if you use air conditioners (most do).

It's also worth mentioning that with the recent rise of oil prices due to the war between Ukraine and Russia, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii's primary electricity provider for 5 of the Hawaiian islands, anticipates an additional 20% increase in rates for residents on Oahu and a 20% increase for residents on the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui.

Despite the high cost of energy, the sun shines in Hawaii at a rate of 8% more than other states, creating an opportunity for cost effective solar energy. Between 20% and 40% of homes on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii have rooftop solar. In fact, Hawaii was the first state to set a deadline for generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2045.

CAN YOU LIVE WITHOUT A/C?

Instead of using A/C, apply a cool roof coating to your roof. Room temperatures could decrease by 20°.

Transportation

Let’s say you do choose to live outside of the busy Honolulu or downtown area – you’ll then need to consider the cost of owning and driving a vehicle. Gas prices as of February 2023 is about $4.80 per gallon in Honolulu. Taking the bus or, in Oahu, TheBus, may be a more affordable method of transportation, at $80.00 a month for unlimited rides, although it may not be an appealing daily commute of choice.

Data was obtained on October 1, 2023, from https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=HI.
Data was obtained on October 1, 2023, from https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=HI.

If you work in downtown Honolulu or Waikiki, you’ll most likely need to rent a parking spot in the case your company doesn’t provide one. Parking ranges typically from $150 to $300 per month. Those who live in a condo may also need to rent a stall, although it depends on association rules.

If you live in Kapolei or on the Ewa side of Oahu, you might be able to take the Honolulu Rail Transit to work. However, there have been many delays with its construction; read more here.

Groceries and Dining Out

Food is delicious in paradise, especially with an abundance of tropical fruits, vegetables and locally grown coffee. But Hawaii is the most expensive place to buy groceries in the nation, especially because products are shipped from the mainland. According to a 2023 survey by Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER), Hawaii’s cost of groceries ranked last in the United States with a score of 132.7, while comparatively Alaska ranked at 129.9, Washingon D.C. at 105.9, New York at 104.7 and California at 112.8.

For example, a gallon of whole milk on Oahu can be $9 – the cheapest at Costco or Sam's Club for around $5 a gallon. Broccoli is at $3.79 a pound, bulk carrots at $3.49 a pound. And yes, while buying local is encouraged, the cost of Hawaii grown mangos are at about $6.99 a pound. Four rolls of toilet paper will be about $6.

Eating out will add up quickly. The average cost of breakfast in Hawaii is $9 to $15, lunch at about $12 to $18 and dinner will cost $15 to $30 (or more). There’s a huge price range though, so many people will buy a plate lunch (white rice, mac salad, and meat entrée like loco moco or teriyaki beef) and save it for lunch and dinner, or split the entire plate in half with a friend.

Taxes and Insurance

Income tax rates range from 1.4 percent to 11 percent.

Excludes numbers for Head of Household (HOH) and Married Filing Separately (MFS)
Excludes numbers for Head of Household (HOH) and Married Filing Separately (MFS)

Ready for some good news? Honolulu’s residential property tax rate is 0.35 percent, one of the lowest rates in the nation.

For retirees, Hawaii can be fairly appealing as the state exempts Social Security retirement benefits and public pension income from state taxes. It fully taxes income from private pensions and retirement savings accounts.

For employers or entrepreneurs in Hawaii who are looking to pay for their own health insurance, according to a study updated by MoneyGeek.com in February 2023, you can expect to pay an average of $446 per month or $5,353 annually. Those costs are on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the rest of the nation, but it's also important to note that year-after-year, Hawaii's health care system is one of the best in the nation. Hawaii received top scores for access and affordability, prevention and treatment, and other performance indicators. Typically, health insurance in Hawaii is provided through four main companies: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), UHA Health Insurance, or Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA).

Education

Hawaii's public school system is the nation's only statewide system governed by one Superintendent and the Hawaii Board of Education. In other words, there's only one public school district for all of Hawaii's islands. Because of this unique governance structure, criticized for its "one size fits all" approach, parents often seek out private schools that fit the individual needs of their children. And that comes at a cost.

Below is a table showing Hawaii's ten largest private schools and their tuition costs:

Tuition costs for the 2022-23 academic year. Private schools that didn't post tuition costs for 2022-23 were excluded.
Tuition costs for the 2022-23 academic year. Private schools that didn't post tuition costs for 2022-23 were excluded.

An example of a budget for a family of 4 living in a Single Family Home:

The numbers above are based on the following conditions:

Ways to Save

So, why the high cost?

The high cost of living in Hawaii has many reasons, but the short answer is the fact that we’re surrounded by water. Nearly everything we consume has to be shipped here or flown. Hawaii is also a desirable place foreign investors to buy property, which continues to drive up housing costs. Another big factor: utility bills such as electricity is sky high, thanks to the warm climate. Like with many things in life, there is certainly a trade-off.

Is it worth it? Here are a few reasons why it is...

Cost of Living in Hawaii vs. Other Cities

Compare the cost of living between Honolulu, Hawaii's capital, to other cities across the United States. Download the Table (the data was compiled from Sperling's Best Places or bestplaces.net.)

Takeaways

While the calculations in the download above provide a rough estimate of living in these locations, we can come to a few conclusions:

While the cost of living in Hawaii may be daunting at first, it requires a bit of soul searching and close look at your lifestyle. If you’re used to a certain standard of living, you may need to make a few sacrifices when moving to Hawaii. But, it may not seem like a sacrifice to nix that luxury car or to eat out less, especially if living near the ocean, enjoying a warm climate and healthy island environment are important to you. It’s all about balancing your values and discovering what works for you and your family.

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