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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Hawaii: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

10.0% above

Cost of living in Hawaii is 10.0% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Hawaii (index 110.0; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Hawaii is $1,942 a month.

Cost of living in Hawaii by category

Overall prices

110.0U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+10.0% vs. U.S.

Goods
111.6 +11.6%
Housing (rents)
125.3 +25.3%
Utilities
190.2 +90.2%
Other services
102.9 +2.9%

BEA 2024 · Hawaii Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,942/mo

Median gross rent

+31% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,579 +21% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,953 +31% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,483 +48% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$875,900 +143% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,937 +44% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$224/mo

Average electric bill

+43% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
48.0¢/kWh +162% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$59.85/Mcf +209% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
190.2

EIA July 2026 · Hawaii Details: Utilities

Transportation

26.7min

Mean travel time to work

About the same as U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
65.1%
Work from home
8.9%
Gasoline (PADD 5 avg.)
$5.07/gal +16% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,556/mo

Hawaii Thrifty plan, family of 4

+52% vs. U.S.

U.S. thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
U.S. moderate plan, family of 4
$1,388/mo

USDA August 2026 · Hawaii (Honolulu prices) and U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$306/wk

Center care, infant

+76% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$190/wk +24% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$190/wk +32% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$173/wk +21% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Hawaii county median (4 counties) Details: Child care

Income

$100,745/yr

Median household income

+23% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
23%
Home value to income
8.7×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Hawaii

Median gross rent in Hawaii is $1,942 a month, 31% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 24% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 47.3% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $875,900, and 39.6% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Hawaii vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Hawaii: $1,942; U.S.: $1,487 Hawaii $1,942 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Hawaii: $2,937; U.S.: $2,035 Hawaii $2,937 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Hawaii: $875,900; U.S.: $360,600 Hawaii $875,900 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureHawaiiU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,942$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,937$2,035
Median home value$875,900$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Hawaii

What renters pay in Hawaii Share of renter households paying cash rent in Hawaii by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 5.4%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 10.7%. Median $1,942. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 2.9% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 4% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 6.9% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 9.6% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 24% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 18% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 9.4% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 9.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 10.7% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,942 (Hawaii) 24%
Show the data table
RangeHawaiiU.S.
Less than $5005.4%6.1%
$500–$7492.9%6.8%
$750–$9994%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2496.9%13.5%
$1,250–$1,4999.6%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99924%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49918%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9999.4%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4999.2%3.2%
$3,500 or more10.7%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Hawaii

Home values in Hawaii Share of owner-occupied homes in Hawaii by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 2.5%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 16.3%. Median $875,900. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 2.5% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 1.9% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 1.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 1.2% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 1.4% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 6% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 6.8% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 18.6% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 21% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 23.3% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 16.3% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $875,900 (Hawaii) 23.3%
Show the data table
RangeHawaiiU.S.
Less than $100,0002.5%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9991.9%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9991.1%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9991.2%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9991.4%8.5%
$300,000–$399,9996%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9996.8%12%
$500,000–$749,99918.6%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99921%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,99923.3%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more16.3%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Hawaii

Measure Hawaii U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,942$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,579$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,953$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,483$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,937$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Hawaii?

At the median, rent takes about 23% of household income in Hawaii. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $77,700 a year.

The median home is worth $875,900, or 8.7 times the median household income.

Household income in Hawaii

The median household in Hawaii earns $100,745 a year, 23% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 18.5% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 11.3% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Hawaii vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Hawaii: $100,745; U.S.: $81,604 Hawaii $100,745 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureHawaiiU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$100,745$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Hawaii

Household income distribution in Hawaii Share of households in Hawaii by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.5%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 18.5%. Median $100,745. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $10,000: 4.5% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.2% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.3% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 8.9% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.4% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 11.1% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 11.9% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 18.5% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $100,745 (Hawaii) 18.5%
Show the data table
RangeHawaiiU.S.
Less than $10,0004.5%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.7%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9991.8%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.3%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.2%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.2%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.3%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.3%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9998.9%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.4%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99911.1%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9999.1%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99911.9%9.7%
$200,000 or more18.5%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Hawaii U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $100,745$81,604
Median home value $875,900$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Hawaii scored 110.0 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 190.2; the lowest is other services at 102.9.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Hawaii: 110.0; U.S.: 100.0 Hawaii 110.0 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Hawaii: 111.6; U.S.: 99.6 Hawaii 111.6 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Hawaii: 125.3; U.S.: 100.6 Hawaii 125.3 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Hawaii: 190.2; U.S.: 98.4 Hawaii 190.2 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Hawaii: 102.9; U.S.: 100.1 Hawaii 102.9 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureHawaiiU.S.
All items110.0100.0
Goods111.699.6
Housing (rents)125.3100.6
Utilities190.298.4
Other services102.9100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Hawaii paid an average of 48.0¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $224 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $59.85 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Hawaii vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Hawaii: 48.0¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Hawaii 48.0¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Hawaii: $224; U.S.: $157 Hawaii $224 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Hawaii: $59.85; U.S.: $19.40 Hawaii $59.85 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureHawaiiU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)48.0¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$224$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$59.85$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Hawaii who commute spend an average of 26.7 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (65.1% of workers); 8.9% work from home. Gasoline in the West Coast region (PADD 5, excluding California), which includes Hawaii, averaged $5.07 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Hawaii price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Hawaii: Drove alone 65.1%, Carpooled 14.5%, Public transit 4.3%, Walked 4.4%, Bicycle 0.9%, Worked from home 8.9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Hawaii: Drove alone. Hawaii Hawaii · Drove alone: 65.1% 65.1% Hawaii · Carpooled: 14.5% 14.5% Hawaii · Public transit: 4.3% Hawaii · Walked: 4.4% Hawaii · Bicycle: 0.9% Hawaii · Worked from home: 8.9% Hawaii · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationHawaiiU.S.
Drove alone65.1%69.2%
Carpooled14.5%9.2%
Public transit4.3%3.7%
Walked4.4%2.4%
Bicycle0.9%0.5%
Worked from home8.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Hawaii

Travel time to work in Hawaii Share of workers who do not work from home in Hawaii by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.5%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2.3%. Mean 26.7 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 8.2% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 13% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 15.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 5.8% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 15.8% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 4.7% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 9% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 6.2% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2.3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 26.7 min (Hawaii) 15.9%
Show the data table
RangeHawaiiU.S.
Less than 5 min2.5%2.8%
5–9 min8.2%9.4%
10–14 min13%13.1%
15–19 min15.9%15%
20–24 min14%14.1%
25–29 min5.8%7%
30–34 min15.8%13.7%
35–39 min2.7%3.4%
40–44 min4.7%4.1%
45–59 min9%8.3%
60–89 min6.2%6.3%
90 min or more2.3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Hawaii

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $306 a week in the median Hawaii county (4 counties), or $15,900 over 52 weeks. That is 76% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Hawaii (median of 4 counties) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $306$174
Center-based care, toddler $190$153
Center-based care, preschool $190$144
Center-based care, school-age $44$120
Home-based family care, infant $173$143
Home-based family care, toddler $167$132
Home-based family care, preschool $167$131

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA also publishes a separate Hawaii thrifty plan based on Honolulu food prices: $1,556 a month for a family of four, 52% above the national thrifty plan. The other plans are national averages only.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman Hawaii, family of 4
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304$1,556
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331—
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403—
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515—

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. USDA publishes only the Thrifty plan for Hawaii, priced in Honolulu; the other Hawaii rows show a dash. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Hawaii?

Median rent is $1,579 for a one-bedroom and $1,953 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Hawaii?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 12.3% pay less than $1,000 a month, 40.5% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 47.3% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Hawaii?

To keep the median rent of $1,942 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $77,700 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Hawaii more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Hawaii at 110.0 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 10.0% above average. Housing rents score 125.3.

How long is the average commute in Hawaii?

26.7 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Hawaii?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $306 a week in the median Hawaii county (4 counties) in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.