Hawaii is a state of the Western United States and a home to six major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii.
Each of them offers its own set of breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and fascinating outdoor adventures.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, that paradise comes at a cost- in fact, a high cost.
Have you ever wondered about the high cost of living in this state?
Here is everything you need to know about the cost of living in Hawaii, along with the five most expensive cities in this state.
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Cost of Living in Hawaii
As we said, this state has a high cost of living.
Costly prices are results due to many reasons.
First of all, is the fact that Hawaii is surrounded all by water.
Consequently, almost everything has to be shipped here or flown.
Another key factor: utility bills such as electricity is enormously high, thanks to the warm climate.
However is more expensive to live in some locations, like Seattle, Manhattan, San Francisco, and San Diego, than in Hawaii cities.
Let’s see the key components such as housing, transportation, food options, and utilities.
Housing Cost
Renting in Hawaii is much more expensive than in other states in the US.
For example, the price for a studio can vary from $1200 to $1,900 per month, and that does not include utilities.
With utilities included, the price can be plus $200 per month for one person.
A one-bedroom apartment or home can vary from about $1700 to more than $2200 per month.
If you’re looking to buy, the average sales price of a single-family home is $870,000 – a new record on a high level.
Alternatively, buying a piece of land and building your own home could be more affordable, but that definitely, depends on location.
Utility Cost
When it comes to utilities, Hawaii’s residents pay the most expensive monthly energy bills worldwide.
In this state, you can expect to receive an energy bill at an average of $200 per month.
That’s highly more expensive than the national average.
Transportation Cost
The average gas price is about $3.16 per gallon.
So, taking the bus may be a more affordable method of transportation, at $3.00 per ticket, although it may not be an appealing daily commute of choice.
However, if you need a parking spot, you better have a little bit more money in your monthly budget.
Accordingly, parking spots vary typically from $150 to $200 per month.
Food Cost
When it comes to food costs, there is not so much to say.
Ordinarily, Hawaii is the most expensive place to buy groceries, especially because products are shipped from the mainland.
For example, a gallon of whole milk can be $9.00.
Broccoli is at $4.00 a pound and bulk carrots at $5.00 a pound.
Eating out will cost you expensive, too.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Just as the cost of living varies from state to state, it also varies from city to city.
Let’s analyze the five most populous cities, which actually have the highest costs for living.
Urban Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii.
The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife, and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance.
But the prices here are unbelievably overpriced.
Lunch for one person in an inexpensive restaurant is around $19, while a diner for two in a mid-range restaurant is above $85.
Also, fast food meals can be overpriced.
For instance, McMeal at Mcdonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) is $11.
As for rent, the price for a one-bedroom apartment is from $1.700 to $2000.
Not to mention the food prices in supermarkets.
One-liter milk is above $3, while a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $6.
And last but not least – transportation costs.
A one-way ticket for local transport is enormously $3.
On the other hand, for a monthly transport pass, you should expect to pay above $70.
East Honolulu
East Honolulu has the same standard of high living cost as Urban Honolulu.
The only difference is that this city has a much bigger average home value – $959,800 for 2021.
All other costs are equal to prices in Urban Honolulu.
Pearl City
Pearl City occupies a large portion of the Pearl Harbor shoreline.
Today, this city (as Hawaiians called the Pu’uloa area) is a popular destination for many families and young couples.
But, here is the actual cost of living in this city.
A meal for one person in an inexpensive restaurant is more than $19, while a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is fascinating $100.00.
As for health insurance coverage, we can notice that it is in line with what they are across Hawaii as a whole.
The other costs for living, such as food and transport prices, are pretty the same as in Urban Honolulu.
So, without a doubt, this city is one of the most expensive in this state.
Hilo
Hilo‘s housing expenses are 35% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 93% higher than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 43% higher than the national average.
Speaking of that, one gallon of gas is $4.
Even more, healthcare costs here are much expensive than in previous cities.
For a one doctor’s visit in this city, you should expect to pay around $145, while for a dentist’s visit incredibly $120.
Waipahu
This city has many things which have to be seen, such as Bishop Museum, Hawaii Maritime Center, Honolulu Academy of Arts, and Honolulu Zoo.
But, the entrances to these attractions are pretty overpriced.
That is why Waipahu is one of the most expensive cities in Hawaii.
In general, the cost of living in Waipahu is 70% higher than the national average.
On the other side, Waipahu housing is enormously 125% higher than the national average.
Anyways, despite these high prices, we honestly advise you to begin your Hawaii adventure by visiting this wonderful city.
There is so much to explore and see in this city.
Hawaii Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Hawaii Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Alaska Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Oregon Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
Living in Hawaii may seem like paradise, but the high cost of living can be a major drawback.