Hawaii vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$40,783
in Hawaii
$66,430
in Washington
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Hawaii | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 299.0 | 118.3 | +153% |
| Groceries | 131.4 | 108.0 | +22% |
| Utilities | 194.1 | 98.8 | +96% |
| Transportation | 141.5 | 124.0 | +14% |
| Healthcare | 127.8 | 110.2 | +16% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.5 | 111.2 | +10% |
| Overall | 183.9 | 112.9 | +63% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Hawaii.
What things actually cost
| Item | Hawaii | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $978,000 | $580,000 | +$398,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $4,186/mo | $1,656/mo | +$2,530 |
| Gas price | $4.59/gal | $4.69/gal | $0.10 |
| Electric bill | $337/mo | $90/mo | +$247 |
| Infant childcare | $21,167/yr | $20,677/yr | +$490 |
Salary equivalent: Hawaii → Washington
What a Hawaii salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Hawaii | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $30,696 | +$19,304 |
| $75,000 | $46,044 | +$28,956 |
| $100,000 | $61,392 | +$38,608 |
| $150,000 | $92,088 | +$57,912 |
| $200,000 | $122,784 | +$77,216 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Hawaii is 63% more expensive than Washington overall. Hawaii has an index of 183.9 vs 112.9 for Washington (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Washington?
Washington is cheaper to live in. Hawaii is 63% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $978,000 in Hawaii vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Washington cheaper than Hawaii?
Yes, Washington is 63% cheaper than Hawaii overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Hawaii more expensive than Washington?
Yes, Hawaii is 63% more expensive than Washington based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Hawaii?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Hawaii, you would need approximately $61,392 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (183.9 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Hawaii and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Washington. Median home prices are $978,000 in Hawaii vs $580,000 in Washington — a $398,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $4,186/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Hawaii vs Washington?
Housing is 153% higher in Hawaii (index 299 vs 118.3). Utilities is 96% higher in Hawaii (index 194.1 vs 98.8). Groceries is 22% higher in Hawaii (index 131.4 vs 108).
Is gas cheaper in Hawaii or Washington?
Gas averages $4.59/gallon in Hawaii and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $0.10 difference per gallon.
Hawaii vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Hawaii has an overall cost-of-living index of 183.9 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Hawaii is 63% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Hawaii vs Washington paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Hawaii Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Hawaii vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Hawaii — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.