Cost of Living in Hawaii [2024]

Aloha and welcome to the paradise of Hawaii! While the scenery is undeniably breathtaking and the beaches are postcard-perfect, Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states in the US. So you need to know what you’re in for if you plan to move there.

This blog will be your guide to navigating the financial realities of island life, from rental costs and utility bills to groceries and transportation. We'll break down the different expenses you can expect and offer tips to help you budget effectively so you can enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer without breaking the bank.

Cost of Living in Hawaii

What Is the Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country, with the cost of living currently 63.35% higher than the national average. But how does that break down into real-world costs? First, let’s consider specifically the cost of living in Hawaii’s most populated city, and then turn to real cost averages by category.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Hawaii?

Honolulu is the most expensive city in Hawaii, where cost of living is more than 80% compared to the national average.

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Hawaii?

The most affordable major city in Hawaii is Hilo, with a cost of living being 10.62% lower compared to the state average, but still 46% higher than the national average.

How Much Is Rent in Hawaii?

As of April 2024, the current average rent across the state of Hawaii is $2,277 a month. For Hawaii’s most expensive city, Honolulu, that average cost is slightly higher at $2,390.

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Hawaii?

You can grab a one-bedroom apartment in Hawaii for an average rate of $1,808 a month as of April 2024.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Hawaii?

A two-bedroom apartment in Hawaii will cost you around $2,309 a month on average as of April 2024.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hawaii?

Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live comfortably, then you would need to earn a little under $70,000 a year to afford a one-bedroom in Hawaii at the average rate of $1,739 a month.

By contrast, MIT uses a “living wage” calculation that considers a number of different cost factors, and they concluded that a single person would need to earn around $56,841 a month before taxes to live in Hawaii, which is lower than our estimate. Bear in mind, however, that even with a single child, they estimate the required salary to go all the way up to $107,805 a year.

How Much are Utilities in Hawaii?

According to the latest census data, Hawaiian renters spend an average of $264.39 a month on utilities, which is higher than the national average of $253.14. These estimates include electricity, gas, fuel, and water but not internet or phone service. One of the driving factors for higher overall utility bills in Hawaii is that residents spend more on electricity than the country in general.

How Much Is Child Care in Hawaii?

According to MIT, the annual cost of child care for a single child in Hawaii is $19,592 per year. That cost goes up to $32,994 when you have two children.

There are a few factors contributing to the high cost of child care in Hawaii. Generally, Hawaii has a high cost of living, and child care follows suit. Factors like rent and staff wages contribute to the overall cost. Also, demand for child care outpaces supply in many areas of Hawaii, which can drive prices up. Finally, Hawaii has strict regulations and standards for child care providers, which ensure quality care but can also add to the operational costs.

How Much Is Transportation in Hawaii?

MIT estimates that a single individual with no children will spend $10,997 a year on transportation, but that number will go up to $18,447 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children).

In Hawaii, most tourists get around by car, but locals know how to take advantage of the great public transportation. All the major islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island) have public bus systems. Oahu's bus system, "TheBus," is considered one of the best in the country. Fares are very reasonable, typically around $2.75 per ride.

Don’t forget that when you live in Hawaii, you probably want to get around to the other islands as well. You have the option of interisland ferry or flights, though the former is probably the more scenic route (unless you’re flying above the volcano on the Big Island). The Hawaii Interisland Super Ferry is a slightly slower but gorgeous way to visit the other islands. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can find ferry rides between Oahu and Maui as low as $39.

How Much are Groceries in Hawaii?

MIT estimates that a single individual with no children will spend around $5,530 a month on groceries, while two parents with two kids will spend closer to $16,252. Numbeo, however, puts the cost of groceries for a single person a little over $610 a month, which comes out to $7,300 a year for a 2400-calorie diet. When you go out to eat in Honolulu, if you order a mid-range, 3-course meal for two people, expect to pay around $82.50.

Hawaii Fitness & Entertainment

The cost of fitness in Hawaii can vary greatly depending on what kind of gym you want to visit. Budget gyms like Planet Fitness typically have the most affordable memberships, ranging around $10-$20 per month, with an additional annual fee. These gyms may have limited amenities and class offerings.

National Gyms like YMCA or LA Fitness generally fall in the middle range, costing around $40-$70 per month. The YMCA in Honolulu charges a monthly fee of $64 for an adult aged 27-64. Similarly, a local gym called Island Gym & Fitness in Kauai costs $60 a month for an adult membership. These types of gyms often have more extensive equipment, class options, and amenities compared to budget gyms. Finally, boutique studios offering specialized classes like pilates, yoga, or spin can cost significantly more, sometimes exceeding $100 per month.

Find Your Next Apartment in Hawaii

Now that you’re fully informed about how much it costs to live in Hawaii, it might be time to start looking for apartments! We’re here to help. At ApartmentList, we gather information about your preferences (location, budget, and amenities), and then flex those preferences in order to show you even more options. Get started by taking our fast and easy quiz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Hawaii?

Using a calculation that says rent should not be more than 30% of your monthly income to be affordable, we estimate you would need to earn just shy of $70,000 to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Hawaii. However, MIT also estimates that if you add a single child to your household, the minimum salary you’ll need in Hawaii rises up to over $100,000 per year.

Where Is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Hawaii?

According to our database of cost of living estimates, Hilo is the most affordable city in the state of Hawaii, with the cost of living there being more than 10% lower than the rest of the state.

What Is the Average Electric Bill in Hawaii?

Looking at the latest census data showing how much renters are spending on utilities, we found that the average renter in Hawaii spends a little more than $173 a month on electricity, which is much higher than the national average of $150.