Rank #1 · HI
Hawaii
Hawaii is the most expensive state in the US, with a cost-of-living index nearly double the national average. Geographic isolation, limited buildable land, and import-dependent supply chains push prices on housing, groceries, and energy to record highs.
Cost index
186.9
Housing index
312.7
Median home
$845K
1BR rent
$2,150
Median income
$95K
Top income tax
11%
Sales tax
4%
Avg. gas
$4.72
Cost breakdown by category
All values indexed to 100 = US average.
Housing312.7
Groceries149
Utilities188.4
Transportation134.3
Healthcare119.6
Why Hawaii is expensive
- 01Nearly all consumer goods are shipped or flown in, adding 20–40% to retail prices.
- 02Strict land-use rules and conservation zoning limit new housing supply.
- 03Electricity costs roughly 3x the mainland US average due to imported oil generation.
- 04High demand from tourism and second-home buyers inflates urban housing.
Metro snapshots
Honolulu
Median home ~$1.05M; 1BR rent ~$2,400/mo.
Kahului–Wailuku (Maui)
Median home ~$915K; tight rental supply.
Hilo
Most affordable major metro; median home ~$525K.
More affordable alternatives in Hawaii
Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big IslandWailuku on MauiWaianae Coast on Oahu
Pro tips
Surviving Hawaii on a budget
- →Buy bulk staples at Costco — the per-unit savings vs. local grocers is dramatic.
- →Solar PV with battery cuts the largest fixed monthly bill (electricity).
- →Used cars hold value longer; importing from the mainland rarely pays off after shipping.