The cost of living in Hawaii can be expensive, but there are some cities that offer a great lifestyle at a low price. Whether you’re looking to move to Hawaii for work, retirement, or simply for a better quality of life, these cities are worth considering!
Attractions In Places To Live In Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular state with lots of attractions and amenities, but living here can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable places to live in Hawaii where you can enjoy the beautiful island life without breaking the bank.
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Getting Ahead Of The Competition
If you’re looking for a place that has great schools, outdoor activities, and fun shopping, Kapa’a might be right for you. This family-friendly neighborhood has everything you need to feel at home, and it’s just a short drive from Maui. The Big Island’s Hilo is another great place to live if you want to be close to the action.
This city is known for its stunning beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Kea’au is another Hawaiian island that falls on the lower end of living costs. Though it’s not a large city, there are plenty of things to do here, from hiking and swimming to visiting art galleries.
Ewa Beach is an affordable alternative to Honolulu for those who love the beach but don’t want to deal with long commutes to the big city. The area is also very close to Kalaeloa Airport, which means aircraft noise may be an issue for some residents.
Kahuku
This Oahu neighborhood has a reputation for being a little rough, but it’s becoming an increasingly desirable community. Its proximity to the ocean and great local schools make it a good choice for families with kids, and it’s easy to get around.
Located on the island of Molokai, Kaunakakai is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay within budget. This small town offers a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, as well as access to local cafes, shops, and beaches.
Hilo #1
Hilo, Hawaii is a great place to live if you’re looking for a more affordable option in Hawaii. It’s located on the east side of the island and is relatively low key with a sleepy and friendly vibe that really makes it stand out from the rest of the state.
The Big Island’s eastern coast is rich in natural beauty. It is home to a number of waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. It’s also an excellent place to buy fresh produce and Hawaiian food items. The Hamakua Coast north of Hilo grows a variety of vegetables while the Puna district produces tropical fruits.
While Hawaii is known for its high cost of living, the average housing, food, child care, transportation and health care costs in Hilo are much lower than in most other cities and towns across the state.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hilo is just $1,000, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget. It’s also easy to get around and there is a lot of diversity in the city.
| Population | 45,248 (2020) |
| ZIP codes | 96720-96721 |
| Area code | 808 |
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
Waianae #2
If you’re looking for a home in Hawaii, then Waianae might be the perfect place for you. The city is a small community with a lot to offer, including stunning beaches and hiking trails, as well as important cultural sites.
There are a few different ways to live in Waianae, but one of the most affordable is to rent. There are many apartments available for rent, and many of them are affordable for low-income people.
In addition, you can also find many affordable home furniture stores in Waianae. At Rent-A-Center, you can easily find mid-century modern living room furniture that you can use to make your home feel more like your own.
If you’re planning to move to a new area, you may want to check out some of the cost of living indexes that are used to determine how much it costs to live in a particular location. These indices measure the cost of housing, groceries, transportation, health care, child care, and taxes. The higher the number, the more expensive it is to live in that area.
| Weather | 23 °C, Wind NE at 10 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 808 |
| Area | 18.34 km² |
| Elevation | 3.66 m |
| Population | 13,192 (2020) |
Kailua #3
Hawaii is a tropical paradise with warm, sunny weather and plenty to see and do. But its cost of living can be a concern for many people who want to move there. Thankfully, there are ways to live more affordable in Hawaii without sacrificing your lifestyle or budget.
One of the most important is to understand what you want out of a living situation and make decisions based on that. For instance, if you want to save money on food, look for grocery stores in the city that offer discounts during certain times of the year.
Also, eat out less and pack lunches for work. This can help you save on transportation costs. Additionally, if you don’t have a car, Honolulu is a great place to live because it has a robust public transportation system.
Kailua is a small town on the north shore of Oahu with a quaint, old-school California vibe. It is a popular destination for vacationers, but it also has an abundance of local businesses and a welcoming aloha spirit.
| Population | 37,900 (2020) |
| Area code | Area code 808 |
| Zip Code | 96734 |
| Weather | 23 °C, Wind NE at 14 km/h |
| Elevation | 16 ft (5 m) |
Wailuku #4
Wailuku, a historic town in Maui, is known for its role as the birthplace of the sugar industry. In addition to being home to many historical sites, Wailuku also has a diverse array of attractions.
Located on the west coast of Maui, Wailuku is a small community that has been working to revitalize its downtown area through a program called “Revitalize Wailuku.” It’s been a great success, and you can now find funky shops and community events here, such as the Friday Town Party which takes place each first Friday of the month along Market Street.
The historic downtown area features a number of landmarks including Kaahumanu Church, the Bailey House Museum and the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District. It also has a beautiful cemetery that offers views of the Iao Valley and West Maui mountains.
With a population of about 26,000, the average household in Wailuku makes $10,661 per year. This is close to the statewide average of $10,330. In addition to state and federal income taxes, residents in Wailuku pay sales and property taxes as well.
| Population | 17,523 (2020) |
| Area code | Area code 808 |
| Elevation | 76 m |
| Weather | 22 °C, Wind NE at 18 km/h |
Kapaa #5
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Hawaii, Kapaa is a great option. It has a cost of living index that’s 7% lower than the rest of the island and rent costs are 11% lower, which is ideal for families.
One of the best things about living in Kapaa is that it’s a family-friendly town with plenty of activities for the whole family. There are plenty of beaches for sunbathing and swimming, as well as a variety of restaurants to choose from.
There are also a number of parks to enjoy. And once a month, the town hosts a community event with live music, food, and more. Unlike many other towns in Hawaii, Kapaa isn’t full of tourist traps.
It’s a friendly, laid-back community with a rich plantation history and a charming historical section of town. If you’re looking for a place to retire, consider Kapaa. It’s a fun, waterfront town that has lots of outdoor recreation and offers a medical facility and a library.
| Area | 26.84 km² |
| Area code | Area code 808 |
| Elevation | 6 m |
| Population | 9,961 (2020) |
| Weather | 22 °C, Wind NE at 16 km/h |
Kahului #6
Kahului, Hawaii is a popular destination for tourists and a good place to live on the island of Maui. It offers a great mix of urban living and island living, with many amenities like schools, medical centers, shopping malls and hotels.
It’s also known for its great food. Here you can enjoy a range of dishes from Hawaiian cuisine to international foods at affordable prices. If you’re looking for something to do in Kahului, you can go kayaking or take a hike along Hoaloha Park.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a day of shopping in the many stores along Dairy Street or at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. One of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii, Kahului is a great choice for those who want to enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer. It’s an excellent location for those who are new to the area or those who are moving from the mainland.
| Population | 29,993 (2020) |
| Area | 41.52 km² |
| Elevation | 9.14 m |
| Weather | 22 °C, Wind NE at 18 km/h |
| Area code | 808 |
| ZIP codes | 96732-96733 |
Kihei #7
The tropical island paradise of Maui, Hawaii, has a lot to offer those looking to relocate. Though home prices here are much higher than those in other parts of the state, they’re still comparatively inexpensive.
Kihei has a wide selection of accommodation options, ranging from low-rise hotels to condominiums along the beach road and cottages in the surrounding hills. You’ll also find small shopping malls, a bustling farmers market and a variety of restaurants.
While Kihei may not have the cultural flair of Lahaina or Kahului, it’s a great place to stay when you want a relaxing beachside vacation without breaking the bank. It’s one of the closest towns to Kahului Airport (about a 30-minute drive), and it’s also a convenient base for exploring the island’s popular destinations like Haleakala and the Road to Hana.
While this bustling town is full of energy, it can be quite noisy and crowded, especially in the evenings when people come out to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the ocean. If you’re a full-time resident, the constant buzz can get quite a bit annoying, especially if you’re trying to run a few errands or pick up dinner.
| Population | 22,749 (2020) |
| ZIP code | 96753 |
| Weather | 22 °C, Wind N at 11 km/h |
| Area code | 808 |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
Kapolei #8
Kapolei, named after the volcano Puu o Kapolei, is one of the fastest growing areas on Oahu. Located on the western coast, this area includes communities such as Makakilo, Barber’s Point, Campell Industrial Park and Ko Olina, which is home to an exquisite golf club, the new Disney Aulani Resort with three lagoons, and a wealth of shopping and dining options.
Despite its rapid growth, Kapolei still remains an affordable place to live. While housing prices in Hawaii tend to be higher than those on the mainland, utilities are relatively affordable. Taxes are another factor that affects the cost of living in each city.
In Kapolei, the average person pays $10,755 in taxes annually. This is close to the statewide average of $10,330. Transportation expenses are also a major expense for many residents. Fortunately, Kapolei has some excellent public transport systems to help you get around town.
Food and child care are two other everyday costs that have a big impact on the cost of living in Kapolei. In Kapolei, the average annual cost of child care for two children is $18,571, nearly $900 more than in other parts of Hawaii.
| Weather | 23 °C, Wind NE at 10 km/h |
| Population | 21,541 (2020) |
| Area code | Area code 808 |
| Area | 11.32 km² |
| Elevation | 51 ft (16 m) |
FAQs about Live In Hawaii
What are living conditions like in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers a beautiful tropical climate, pristine beaches, and diverse cultural experiences. However, the cost of living is high, with limited affordable housing options, and the state’s isolated location poses logistical challenges. The tourism-driven economy can also contribute to overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Is it a good idea to live in Hawaii?
Deciding to live in Hawaii depends on personal preferences, financial situation, and career opportunities. While Hawaii offers a unique and desirable lifestyle, it comes with a high cost of living, limited job opportunities outside of tourism, and potential isolation. Consider your priorities and conduct thorough research before making the decision to move.
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