Cost of Living in Hawaii

Avg Index: 183

32 cities · Updated March 2026

$2,139
Avg Rent / Month
$107,177
Avg Income
$770,040
Avg Home Value
183
Avg Cost Index
11.0%
Income Tax
4.0%
Sales Tax
Cheapest in Hawaii
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Index: 107 · Rent: $1,253/mo
Most Expensive in Hawaii
Kailua
Index: 274 · Rent: $3,068/mo

Hawaii Cost of Living Overview

Hawaii is more expensive than the national average, with an average cost index of 183 across 32 cities. The average monthly rent across Hawaii cities is $2,139, with median household incomes averaging $107,177 per year. The cheapest city is Hawaiian Paradise Park (index 107) and the most expensive is Kailua (index 274).

With a top income tax rate of 11.0%, Hawaii has one of the higher tax burdens in the US. The 4.0% sales tax and 0.32% property tax rate add to the overall cost.

All 32 Cities in Hawaii — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#CityCost Index RentIncomeHome ValuePopulation
1 Hawaiian Paradise Park 107 $1,253/mo $81,892 $413,800 13,273
2 Hilo 110 $1,347/mo $78,713 $455,100 48,223
3 Waianae 115 $1,307/mo $84,766 $487,200 12,907
4 Nanakuli 125 $1,671/mo $81,493 $473,000 12,282
5 Wahiawa 148 $1,443/mo $86,883 $716,800 17,515
6 Waimalu 153 $1,892/mo $89,016 $597,700 14,176
7 Kaiminani 157 $1,338/mo $101,320 $761,300 11,542
8 Waimea 163 $2,039/mo $89,268 $652,900 10,242
9 Kahului 164 $1,473/mo $92,062 $833,200 27,068
10 Wailuku 166 $1,747/mo $93,958 $781,700 15,754
11 Waipahu 169 $1,585/mo $98,633 $835,400 39,871
12 Urban Honolulu 175 $1,783/mo $85,428 $834,100 346,323
13 Kapaa 176 $1,997/mo $89,440 $821,500 10,886
14 Waihee-Waiehu 176 $2,224/mo $128,266 $740,300 11,369
15 Waipio 179 $2,248/mo $106,164 $709,500 11,196
16 Maili 184 $2,442/mo $104,375 $633,100 12,236
17 Lahaina 185 $1,988/mo $85,988 $841,400 11,423
18 Halawa 188 $1,619/mo $102,987 $1,005,400 13,809
19 Ewa Beach 190 $2,554/mo $124,958 $698,200 15,388
20 Kihei 192 $2,021/mo $87,568 $871,600 22,564
21 Kapolei 197 $2,507/mo $129,260 $720,600 23,033
22 Kaneohe Base 199 $3,399/mo $70,000 $390,600 10,973
23 Makakilo 200 $2,202/mo $120,489 $827,900 20,372
24 Pearl 201 $2,338/mo $114,682 $872,200 45,079
25 Mililani 203 $2,303/mo $124,123 $884,800 27,495
26 Ewa Gentry 206 $2,517/mo $131,755 $768,200 26,738
27 Kaneohe 215 $2,356/mo $124,632 $990,100 35,945
28 Mililani Mauka 215 $2,389/mo $139,564 $901,800 21,967
29 Royal Kunia 216 $2,806/mo $133,579 $833,000 13,687
30 Ocean Pointe 255 $3,347/mo $143,394 $877,600 16,276
31 East Honolulu 271 $3,249/mo $158,398 $1,172,300 50,961
32 Kailua 274 $3,068/mo $146,615 $1,239,000 39,762

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in Hawaii

What is the cost of living in Hawaii?
The average cost of living index across 32 cities in Hawaii is 183 (US average = 100). Average rent is $2,139/month and median household income averages $107,177/year.
What is the cheapest city in Hawaii?
The cheapest city in Hawaii is Hawaiian Paradise Park with a cost index of 107, median rent of $1,253/month, and median income of $81,892/year.
What is the most expensive city in Hawaii?
The most expensive city in Hawaii is Kailua with a cost index of 274, median rent of $3,068/month, and median income of $146,615/year.
What are taxes like in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a top income tax rate of 11.0%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.32%.
How many cities does CostToLive cover in Hawaii?
We track cost of living data for 32 cities in Hawaii with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.