Hawaii cost of living
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Moving to a new state is a mix of emotions — it can be full of new possibilities but also challenging and a bit scary. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Hawaii for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Hawaii is $3,188.43, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Hawaii spend $333.88 weekly on food at home and $145.17 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.76 in Hawaii.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Hawaii pay $967 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Hawaii
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Hawaii is $3,188.43, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Hawaii broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Hawaii had a median cost of $1,379 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,848 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $2,497 and $2,967, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Hawaii is $993,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000. In the first quarter of 2024, the median home price in Honolulu was the fourth-highest in the nation at $1,085,800, according to National Association of Realtors (NAR) data.
Hawaii ranks No. 50 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.32%.
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Food costs in Hawaii
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Hawaii is $333.88, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Hawaii residents spend an average of $145.17 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Hawaii
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Hawaii is $4.76, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Hawaii is $928.29, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
There is a public bus system on three big islands: Oahu, Hawaii, and Kauai. On Oahu, TheBus has a $3 cash fare. On Hawaii, there is no fare to ride Hele-On buses. The Kauai Bus fare is $2 for the general public.
Health care costs in Hawaii
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Hawaii employees $967 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,400 of the $7,367 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Hawaii
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Hawaii is $221.53, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Hawaii costs $49.26 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Does Hawaii have a high cost of living?
Yes — according to our 2023 cost of living study, Hawaii was the most expensive state in the nation.
What are the most expensive cities in Hawaii?
According to NAR data, cities in Maui and Honolulu counties are the most expensive when it comes to housing.
Is Hawaii a good place to rent?
Neither buying nor renting in Hawaii is particularly affordable. The state made No. 2 on our list of the worst states for renters in 2024.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
