Cost of Living in Hawaii
Overall index: 183.9 — ranked #1 of 51 (one of the most expensive).
Where your money goes in Hawaii
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Hawaii
Estimated annual spending: $130,841($55,841 over budget)
What things cost in Hawaii
| Item | Hawaii | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $978,000 | $360,000 | +$618,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $4,186/mo | $1,400/mo | +$2,786 |
| Gas (regular) | $4.59/gal | $3.50/gal | +$1.09 |
| Electric bill | $337/mo | $137/mo | +$200 |
| Infant childcare | $21,167/yr | $13,500/yr | +$7,667 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.50 | $4.95 | +$1.55 |
| Monthly groceries | $539/mo | $410/mo | +$129 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Hawaii vs national average
What a salary in Hawaii is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $91,950 | +$41,950 |
| $75,000 | $137,925 | +$62,925 |
| $100,000 | $183,900 | +$83,900 |
| $125,000 | $229,875 | +$104,875 |
| $150,000 | $275,850 | +$125,850 |
| $200,000 | $367,800 | +$167,800 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Hawaii to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Hawaii with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Hawaii?
Hawaii has an overall cost-of-living index of 183.9, making it one of the most expensive (ranked #1 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $978,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $4,186/month.
Is Hawaii expensive to live in?
Yes, Hawaii is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 183.9 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 299% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Hawaii?
The median home price in Hawaii is $978,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $4,186/month. Hawaii's housing index is 299 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 199% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Hawaii?
Hawaii's grocery index is 131.4 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $6.50 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $539, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Hawaii?
The average monthly electric bill in Hawaii is $337 based on the state's residential rate of 38¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Hawaii?
Center-based infant childcare in Hawaii averages $21,167/year ($1,764/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Hawaii?
A $75,000 salary in Hawaii has the same purchasing power as $40,783 at the national average cost of living. Because Hawaii is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this 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 Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Hawaii taxes
- House Affordability in Hawaii — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Hawaii take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.