Last Updated: 9/13/2021
Between the beautiful beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle, it isn’t hard to imagine why so many people are drawn to the idea of moving to Hawaii. Whether it’s trading a hectic life in the city for colorful jungles and breathtaking waterfalls or leaving a stressful work environment for a more peaceful state of mind, Hawaii has a lot to offer its residents.
However, this tranquility does come at a price. The cost of living in Hawaii is among the highest in the nation. In fact, by some calculations, Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S. If you’re considering packing your bags for Hawaii, we’ll give you a run-down of the real cost of moving to paradise. With our research under your belt, you can feel more confident that you’re making the right decision for you and your family.
How Does Hawaii Compare to the Rest of the U.S.?
CNBC, USA Today, the website Lifehack, and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) all agree: Hawaii the most expensive state to live in. But how does the cost of living in Hawaii compare to other states?
One piece of data you might find useful is the MERIC cost of living index. This set of statistics offers you 1) an index that aggregates several cost-of-living factors into one single number, as well as 2) an easy way to compare Hawaii to other states. You’ll find all 50 states on the MERC website, but here’s a quick list of the top 10
You might also find MIT’s Living Wage Calculator data useful. By examining these numbers, you’ll have a sense of how much you’d need to earn to get by in the state. To give you a little perspective, these wages don’t represent a comfortable living. Instead, consider these a “minimum subsistence wage”—what you’d need to stay afloat in the state.
These numbers also offer another way to compare costs between states. We’ve included a few states here for contrast, and you’ll find the rest at the Living Wage Calculator website.
Hawaii
Cost of Living
California
Cost of Living
Texas
Cost of Living
New York
Cost of Living
Now that you have a sense of the how Hawaii compares to the rest of the U.S., let’s take a closer look at each of Hawaii’s islands. The cost of living on Oahu is different than that on Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island—and that’s not to mention all the other differences in lifestyle, atmosphere, community, and more. As you think through which Hawaiian island is right for you, the below data on each island’s cost of living may influence your thinking.
Definitions of Terms Used in This Article
Maui County
(The Islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai)
Maui’s beaches are consistently ranked as some of the best in the world, making it a hugely popular tourist destination. Keep in mind that a number of jobs on Maui will be in the tourism industry, since the majority of large corporations are headquartered in Honolulu or on the Big Island. However, the Valley Isle offers an unparalleled opportunity to choose your scenery. You can live by the beach, in a tropical rainforest, in the rural uplands—all of which make gorgeous backdrops for your Hawaii life. Many will agree that life may not be cheap on Maui, but it’s more than worth it.
The City and County of Honolulu
(The Island of Oahu)
Oahu offers a range of diverse lifestyles, including the metropolitan bustle (and amenities) of Honolulu, the laid-back, island-style vibe of the North Shore, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Ewa Beach, as well as many, many others. Additionally, Honolulu is home to the state’s largest employers, such as the University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Industries, and Hawaiian Airlines. If working in the industries that support tourism isn’t your cup of tea, Oahu offers a number of opportunities you might not find on other islands.
The expensive living in the city of Honolulu significantly drives up the average cost of living for the county, so if you’re looking for a more affordable neighborhood, be sure to look around. Wahiawa, Hauula, Laie, and Kahuku offer more affordable housing options. However, they all require a longer commute into the city. Make your decisions thoughtfully!
Kauai County
(The Island of Kauai)
Kauai’s spectacular scenery and diverse natural landscapes make it the ideal place for someone looking to immerse themselves in nature—and get away from busy city atmospheres. In addition to being impressive, Kauai’s landscapes might also seem strangely familiar. The island has been featured in a number of movies, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean, among others. You’ll find Kauai to be one of the more expensive Hawaiian Islands, but many treasure its relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere.
Hawaii County
(The Big Island)
An active volcano, lush rainforests, and beaches of white, green, and black sand—the Big Island has an incredible amount of raw and unspoiled beauty to offer. Additionally, the Big Island can be one of the more affordable places to live in the state, especially where housing costs are concerned. If the Big Island is your destination, all that’s left to decide is the age-old question: Hilo side or Kona side?
Planning for Your Big Move to Hawaii
Don’t let the slightly higher cost of living discourage you from moving to paradise! By doing your homework, learning about the job market, and budgeting your living expenses, you can make the transition to Hawaii, just as thousands of individuals and families have before you.
Once you’ve run all the numbers and selected the right location for you, let us take care of the rest! We offer an easy, affordable, and safe moving experience. Our friendly, Oahu-, Kauai-, Maui-, and Big-Island based teams will take the stress out of your moving process, so you can focus on getting acquainted with your new home! Request a free quote today to discover how we can help transition you into our island community.
