Cost of living in Hawaii
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Hawaii are 10.0% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 110.0 (U.S. = 100), making it the #2 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Hawaii with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Hawaii prices
- 11.7% cheaper
- Take-home in Hawaii at $75,000
- $57,321$4,777 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $50,599$4,217 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +21.7%+$10,993 a year in Hawaii buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Hawaii take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Hawaii with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Hawaii as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Hawaii? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Hawaii prices by category
| Category | Hawaii | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 110.0 | +10.0% |
| Goods | 111.6 | +11.6% |
| Housing (rent) | 125.3 | +25.3% |
| Utilities | 190.2 | +90.2% |
| Other services | 102.9 | +2.9% |
Housing is the main reason Hawaii costs more: rents run 25% above average. The overall price level rose 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (109.7). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Hawaii, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,920 | $40,080 | $36,453 | $45,475 |
| $75,000 | $17,679 | $57,321 | $52,133 | $68,212 |
| $100,000 | $27,006 | $72,994 | $66,388 | $90,950 |
At $75,000, Hawaii ranks #51 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Hawaii paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Hawaii equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Hawaii. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Hawaii once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | +0.7% | $75,525 | $74,802 |
| Washington | −2.7% | $72,996 | $68,094 |
| Oregon | −6.0% | $70,505 | $71,625 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −20.9% | $59,302 | $55,650 |
| Mississippi | −20.9% | $59,313 | $55,559 |
| Iowa | −20.2% | $59,864 | $56,070 |
| Oklahoma | −20.1% | $59,920 | $56,783 |
| Washington, DC | −0.0% | $74,966 | $73,751 |
| New Jersey | −1.0% | $74,218 | $72,256 |
| New York | −1.8% | $73,615 | $72,642 |
| Texas | −11.7% | $66,205 | $60,260 |
| Florida | −5.9% | $70,541 | $64,385 |
Moving from Hawaii to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawaii expensive to live in?
Hawaii has a price level of 110.0 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 10.0% above the national average. It ranks #50 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Hawaii?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $82,463 in Hawaii before taxes. After Hawaii taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,321 — worth $52,133 at U.S.-average prices, #51 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Hawaii?
Hawaii's housing price level is 125.3, meaning rents are 25.3% above the national average. Goods are 111.6 and utilities 190.2.
Which nearby state is cheapest?
Oregon (price level 103.4, −6.0% vs Hawaii). A $75,000 Hawaii salary is equivalent to $71,625 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.