Cost of Living for Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii (HI) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
192
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$84,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,650/month
State Income Tax Rate
11%
How This Calculator Works in Hawaii
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Hawaii and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Hawaii's cost of living index of 192 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Hawaii Overview
Hawaii has a cost of living index of 192, where 100 represents the national average. Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation. Nearly everything is imported by ship or plane, driving up prices for groceries, goods, and fuel. Housing costs are extreme, and even basic necessities like utilities and food cost substantially more than the mainland average. The median household income is $84,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $43,750 in an average-cost location.
How Hawaii Compares
Hawaii's cost of living index of 192 compares to California's 142 and Alaska's 125. Residents in Hawaii generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 129% less than Hawaii, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 0% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | COL Index: 142 | California has a cost of living index of 142 and a median household income of $85,000. It is more affordable than Hawaii. |
| Alaska | COL Index: 125 | Alaska has a cost of living index of 125 and a median household income of $77,000. It is more affordable than Hawaii. |
| Washington | COL Index: 115 | Washington has a cost of living index of 115 and a median household income of $82,000. It is more affordable than Hawaii. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Hawaii's index of 192 is above the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Hawaii's median household income of $84,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Hawaii Residents
- 1Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation. Nearly everything is imported by ship or plane, driving up prices for groceries, goods, and fuel. Housing costs are extreme, and even basic necessities like utilities and food cost substantially more than the mainland average.
- 2Hawaii's median household income of $84,000 has a real purchasing power of about $43,750 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Hawaii's top state income tax rate of 11% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Hawaii between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.