Is Hawaii more expensive to live in than California
Dylan Hughes
Published Mar 03, 2026
Hawaii’s cost of living index is a whopping 54.1 points higher than California’s, which is 21.1 points higher than the index for Maine, the least expensive state in the “115 or higher” bracket.
Is Hawaii or California more expensive to live in?
Here are the 10 states with the highest cost index: Hawaii (192.9) California (151.7) New York (139.1)
Is it more expensive to live in Hawaii or LA?
Honolulu is 1.8% more expensive than Los Angeles. Honolulu housing costs are 4.2% less expensive than Los Angeles housing costs. Health related expenses are 6.8% more in Honolulu.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Hawaii?
In order to live comfortably in Hawaii, some studies show that you’ll need a whopping salary of over $122,000.Is Hawaii too expensive to live?
“One of the realities of an island economy is it is going to be expensive,” says Richard Barrington, senior financial analyst at Moneyrates.com. “Overall, the cost of living in Hawaii is almost 90 percent more than the average cost of living in the United States.”
Is New York or Hawaii more expensive?
Cost of living in Honolulu, Hawaii (United States) is 17% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
What is the cheapest state in America to live in?
Mississippi The cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi’s average cost of living is about 15% lower than the national average cost of living. Mississippi’s living wage is only $48,537 and has the cheapest personal necessities anywhere in the country.
How much does a gallon of milk cost in Hawaii?
StateCostFlorida$3.07Georgia$2.69Hawaii$4.69Idaho$1.69Is it easy to get a job in Hawaii?
Finding a job in Hawaii can be easy and quick, or difficult and slow as water sweat dripping off your head as you pound the pavement day after day. You have to do everything possible to ensure you get a job quickly because its no fun at all to be spending your hard-earned savings on living expenses.
What jobs make the most money in Hawaii?We spent hours sifting through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats to discover that physicians, surgeons, ophthalmologists, nurse anesthetists, dentists, and chief executives are the highest-paid staff in Hawaii.
Article first time published onIs Hawaii or San Francisco more expensive?
San Francisco is 52.6% more expensive than Honolulu. San Francisco housing costs are 108.8% more expensive than Honolulu housing costs.
Which Hawaiian island is the cheapest to live on?
Generally, the lowest housing costs are on the Big Island, which is considered the cheapest Hawaiian island to live on.
Is it more expensive to live in San Diego or Hawaii?
The cost of living in Honolulu, HI is 17.6% higher than in San Diego, CA. You would have to earn a salary of $70,576 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Honolulu, HI typically pay -3.9% less than employers in San Diego, CA.
Are apartments in Hawaii expensive?
Renting in Hawaii is much cheaper than buying. The national average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,610 per month, according to Apartment Guide’s April 2021 rent report. In Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital and most populous city, the average rent for an apartment of any size is $1,725, says RentCafé.
Is food in Hawaii expensive?
Food is very expensive in Hawaii, since most of it is imported from the mainland. … On the plus side, sourcing your food from the grocery store—even if you’re relying on pre-made items from the deli or fresh seafood counter—is usually much cheaper than dining out. Tailor your grocery list to local tastes and ingredients.
How can I move to Hawaii cheap?
- Inexpensive Housing. Choose your location carefully. …
- Groceries and Meals. Save money on food by buying in bulk at large discount stores, such as Costco or Sam’s Club. …
- Daily Living. Use public transportation whenever possible.
What is the best state to live in 2021?
StateTotalEducationWashington14New Hampshire25Minnesota317Utah410
What state has nice houses for cheapest?
- Mississippi. Mississippi is the cheapest state to buy a home in with a median home value of $114,500. …
- West Virginia. West Virginia is the second-cheapest state to buy a home. …
- Arkansas. Arkansas’s median home value is about $123,300, the third-lowest in the country. …
- Oklahoma. …
- Kentucky. …
- Indiana. …
- Alabama. …
- Ohio.
What is the safest and cheapest state to live in?
- Mississippi. Mississippi earned the top affordability spot from the Council for Community and Economic Research. …
- Kansas. …
- Oklahoma. …
- Alabama. …
- Tennessee. …
- Arkansas. …
- Georgia. …
- Indiana.
Is there gas in Hawaii?
Of course, Hawaii is further away from America’s oil production and refineries than anywhere else in the country. Its location leads to high prices for more than just gasoline. Without any hydrocarbon supplies of its own, Hawaii must import energy.
How big is Oahu vs Manhattan?
New York City (US) is 0.51 times as big as Oahu (Hawaii)
Whats cheaper Hawaii or New York?
Which city is cheaper, Honolulu or New York City? The average daily cost (per person) in New York City is $238, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $227.
What is the most common job in Hawaii?
The most common job in Hawaii is unsurprisingly tour guides.
Can I just move to Hawaii?
Can Anyone Move to Hawaii? In 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state. As a result, anyone who has the ability to legally live in the United States—including citizens and permanent residents—can move to Hawaii. Legally, it’s just like moving to any other state.
How long can you stay in Hawaii without a visa?
The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of 38 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
How do locals afford to live in Hawaii?
Having family members and relatives here can help you afford the cost of living. For example, there are many multi-family units here on the island in which families live with in-laws or grandparents on the same property. … These connections help small families afford the high cost of living.
How much is a Big Mac meal in Hawaii?
The price of Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) in Honolulu, Hawaii is $9.
Why is electricity so expensive in Hawaii?
Electricity prices in Hawaii are generally higher than on the U.S. mainland due to the cost of imported oil used to power many of the islands’ generators. The fluctuation in the cost of fuel is the biggest driver. Fuel and purchased power make up roughly half of a typical bill.
Is it hard to live in Hawaii?
Your move is an exciting and fun time, but it should also be one that’s done with caution and realistic expectations, or else you may be one of the hundreds who move back to the mainland each year. Hawaii is paradise for many reasons, but it’s also a difficult place to live for most because of the economy.
Which Hawaiian island has the highest crime rate?
- Kauai: 2,762.
- Big Island: 2,955.
- Oahu: 3,020.
- Maui: 3,723.
Is Hawaii a good place to live in?
Hawaii’s quality of life reflects the advantages of the state’s climate, health, recreation and cultural opportunities. Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the best states to live in when criteria include environmental factors, low crime incidence, quality of education, and longevity.