Hawaii Cost of Living
Can you afford to live in the Aloha State?
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For many, the idea of moving to Hawaii brings visions of scenic beaches, vibrant communities and a slower pace of life. But relocating to the islands also means facing a unique set of financial realities. Bills, groceries and everyday expenses can cost way more than on the mainland.
To determine the cost of living in Hawaii, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Hawaii spend $58,115 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Hawaii is $1,816, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Hawaii spend $333.88 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.47 in Hawaii.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Hawaii pay $1,060 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Hawaii
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Hawaii was $58,115 in 2023. This figure reflects the value of what residents consume each year across housing, health care, food, gas and energy, and other goods and services.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Hawaii:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $11,600 |
| Health care | $9,107 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $5,507 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $748 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $31,152 |
| Total cost | $58,115 |
Housing costs in Hawaii
Housing is the single most significant expense for most Hawaii residents. According to 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Hawaii is $1,816, while the national average rent is $1,639. Rental rates differ widely depending on location, property size and amenities. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey shows average monthly rents in Hawaii as:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,396
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,966
- Three-bedroom rent: $2,656
- Four-bedroom rent: $3,335
If you’re planning to purchase a home, the median home price in Hawaii is $740,900, compared with the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes are another important consideration — Hawaii’s effective property tax rate is 0.32%%, which places it at No. 50 nationally.
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Food costs in Hawaii
Your food budget in Hawaii will depend on where you shop, which foods you buy and how often you dine out. The most recent U.S. Census data shows the average weekly grocery bill in Hawaii is $333.88, while the U.S. average is $270.21.
Daily food spending can fluctuate dramatically based on your habits. Many families see higher prices at local markets and supermarkets, particularly on items shipped from the mainland.
Cooking at home and shopping at farmers markets can help reduce costs, but frequent restaurant visits — especially in resort areas or Honolulu — can cause your monthly expenses to climb quickly. Outlying communities may offer slightly lower prices, though selection and availability can be limited.
Transportation costs in Hawaii
Gas prices are a major part of transportation expenses in Hawaii. The average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.47, while the U.S. average is $3.13.
Car insurance is also an important factor. The average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage) in Hawaii is $951.75, compared with a national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in Hawaii
The average annual employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance in Hawaii is $1,060, with employers covering the remaining $6,671 of the $7,730 total premium.
Across the country, workers pay an average of $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Hawaii
The average monthly electric bill in Hawaii is $213.23, compared with $136.84 nationally.
Natural gas costs in Hawaii are $47.79 per thousand cubic feet, versus $12.92 across the U.S.
FAQ
Does Hawaii have a high cost of living?
Yes, Hawaii has a higher cost of living than the national average. Housing is much more expensive in Hawaii than in most states, whether you rent or buy. Utility bills are also higher there.
However, Hawaii’s health care costs are lower than what many Americans pay.
Is Hawaii a good place to live?
Yes, Hawaii is a good place to live if you value natural beauty, a strong sense of community and a slower-paced lifestyle. While the overall cost of living is higher than the national average, many people are still drawn to Hawaii for its unique culture and opportunities.
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Is Hawaii good for renters?
Yes, Hawaii is good for renters in some ways. Rent tends to be higher than the U.S. average, and finding available units can be challenging, especially in popular areas. However, Hawaii stands out for having some of the strongest tenant protections in the country, which can give renters more security and peace of mind.
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:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
