Our List of the 15 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii (2024)

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Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauaʻi

With a cost of living that’s at least 65% above the U.S. average, Hawaiʻi is often ranked as the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Given these numbers, it’s easy to see why there are so many searches for the cheapest places to live in Hawaiʻi.

We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve put together a list of the 15 most affordable places to live in Hawaiʻi, with locations on each of the four major islands

How We Chose These Locations

As any Hawaiʻi resident will tell you, housing will be your biggest expense in the Hawaiian Islands. (This assertion is also backed up by data from both Sperling’s Best Places and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC)!) To generate the list below, we started with Hawaiʻi housing data, and then added in a few other lifestyle factors.

Oʻahu

With the second-lowest typical home value in the Hawaiian Islands—$867,802, according to Zillow—Oʻahu can be a great place to start your search for an affordable place to live. On Oʻahu, you’ll find a number of different landscapes and neighborhoods to choose from, plus the extensive resources and amenities in Honolulu, all of which can offer an easy transition from the mainland.

Kāneʻohe (96744)

Our List of the 15 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii (2)

2022
Average Home Price

$1,114,069

Average Zillow
Home Value

$1,064,181

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,695

Life is beautiful in Kāneʻohe, especially with the backdrop of Oʻahu’s Koʻolau Mountains to enjoy every day. Setting up in Kāneʻohe can mean a long commute into town in the mornings and evenings, but plenty of people find a way to make it work so they can enjoy life on Oahu’s Windward Coast.

Looking at the numbers above, you might not feel like Kāneʻohe is a “cheap” place to live. However, you’ll find properties well under the 2022 average in Kāneʻohe, including condo units and single-family homes. It’s definitely a neighborhood worth exploring, especially if you’re moving with your family.

Waiʻanae (96792)

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2022
Average Home Price

$630,936

Average Zillow
Home Value

$575,303

Craigslist
Average Rent

$1,830

You’ll see Waiʻanae on a lot of “cheapest places in Hawaii to live” lists. Looking at the numbers (and the real estate listings) it’s easy to see why. However, while Waiʻanae has a reputation for affordable real estate, it also has a reputation for being an insular community that can feel tough to break into, especially if you’re a newcomer to Hawaiʻi.

As with all these neighborhoods, make sure you visit multiple times—at different points throughout the day—to get a real feel for the area before getting your heart set on a particular property.

Waipahu (96797)

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2022
Average Home Price

$888,472

Average Zillow
Home Value

$575,303

Craigslist
Average Rent

$1,983

Waipahu’s central location makes it a convenient place to live on Oʻahu. In addition to the attractive home prices in Waipahu, you’ll also find a variety of housing types—new builds as well as existing structures you can put your own finishing touch on.

Although living in Waipahu has traditionally meant a long commute into town, the opening of the Honolulu Rail system might make commuting from the area significantly easier—and faster.

ʻEwa Beach (96706)

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2022
Average Home Price

$983,445

Average Zillow
Home Value

$836,457

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,514

If you’re searching for a single-family home, ʻEwa Beach offers families a good amount of space for their budgets. You’ll also find a number of servicemembers in the neighborhoods within ʻEwa since it’s fairly close to Schofield Barracks Army Base and Air Station Barbers Point.

Finally, if you’re interested in a new-build home with modern appliances, you’ll find plenty of properties in ʻEwa that are move-in ready—no renovations or updates needed

Honolulu

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Average Zillow Home Value

$807,739

Craigslist Average Rent

$1,926

You might be surprised to see Honolulu in this list, but hear us out on this one.

If you want to live in Hawaiʻi for a set period of time and you’re not that interested in actually owning the property, you might consider a leasehold property in Honolulu. A leasehold is a form of long-term lease that means you can live in a Honolulu condo for 30, 40, or even 50 years for a much lower price than buying a condo. It’s a very specific type of arrangement that isn’t for everyone, but it’s one way to do Hawaiʻi for cheap(er).

Or, if you’re simply on a set budget and don’t need a ton of space, maybe a condominium in Honolulu is right for you. (Look for a “fee simple” listing, which means outright ownership as opposed to a leasehold.) While you might not get the optimal value for your money—and you’ll need to factor in a monthly HOA/condo fee as well as condo insurance—it’s one way to get your own slice of paradise for less than a single-family home.

Maui

Zillow pegs the average home value on Maui at $975,519—the highest in the Hawaiian Islands. As a result, “bargains” on Maui are few and far between. But we’d never say never—so we’ve listed three areas on Maui that offer a jumping-off point for finding an affordable slice of the Valley Isle.

Waikapū/Wailuku (96793)

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2022
Average Home Price

$839,508

Average Zillow
Home Value

$852,835

Craigslist
Average Rent

$3,024

This zip code encompasses a significant swath of West Maui, including areas like Wailuku, Wailuku Heights, Waikapū, Waheʻe-Waiehu, and Maʻalea. You’ll find a broad variety of properties in the area, from family-friendly, new-build subdivisions to condominiums to single-family homes on their own acreage. Plus, this area’s central location means easy access to everything the Valley Isle has to offer.

Kahului (96732)

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2022
Average Home Price

$797,619

Average Zillow
Home Value

$913,686

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,603

Living in Kahului means you’ll never be far from all of Maui’s amenities, including grocery stores, banks, gas stations, Costco, the airport, the hospital, and many of the island’s medical facilities. While Kahului can feel a little more urban than the rest of Maui, you can’t beat the convenience—and some of the prices in Kahului are the most affordable on the island.

Haʻikū-Paʻuwela (96708)

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2022
Average Home Price

$1,349,746

Average Zillow
Home Value

$1,238,621

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,434

From these numbers, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela—and the other areas it encompasses, including Keʻanae and Wailuā—may not look like the cheapest place to live. However, along this area of Maui’s north shore, you’ll find a mix of large estates plus single-family homes on modest acreage. The estates tend to drag the averages higher. You may be able to find something a little more reasonable, especially if you purchase from someone who’s split a larger property into multiple parcels.

Big Island (Hawaiʻi)

With an average home value of $546,001, as reported by Zillow, the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is a great place for bargain-hunters to start their search. Just be aware that life on the Big Island is a lot more rural than you might be used to. Community roads may be paved—or not. You may need to bring your own utilities for particularly isolated properties. But if it’s peace and quiet you crave, the Big Island delivers in spades.

Pāhoa (96778)

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2022
Average Home Price

$290,545

Average Zillow
Home Value

$288,877

Craigslist
Average Rent

$1,219

Pāhoa is another one of those spots that often hits the top of the “cheapest places to live in Hawaii” lists. Located in the Puna district, Pāhoa sits in Lava Zone 2 because of its proximity to the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. In fact, it’s just north of Leilani Estates (Lava Zone 1) where more than 700 homes were destroyed in the 2018 lava flow.

If you’re comfortable with a little risk, you’ll find plenty of charm in the town—and plenty of affordable real estate.

Mountain View (96771)

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2022
Average Home Price

$315,000

Average Zillow
Home Value

$312,065

Craigslist
Average Rent

$1,226

Mountain View offers its residents a serene, rural feel. Subdivisions intermingle with single family homes, farms, and ranches. As with many other locations on the Big Island, living in Mountain View means getting your water through a catchment (rainwater) system. Cell phone service and Internet access can also be spotty, so if you’re planning to work remotely, make sure you do your research before committing to a home in the area.

Hilo (96720)

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2022
Average Home Price

$506,613

Average Zillow
Home Value

$490,339

Craigslist
Average Rent

$1,380

Hilo might not be the cheapest place to live on the Big Island, but it’s one of the cheaper “cities” in the Hawaiian Islands. (Did you know that Hilo is the third largest urban area in Hawaii, behind Urban and East Honolulu?) Settling down in and around Hilo means access to all the amenities of this cultural hub. If you’re not quite ready for the off-the-grid living of the Big Island’s more remote areas, Hilo might be the perfect choice. (And an affordable one!)

Kauaʻi

Zillow reports Kauaʻi’s average home value at $891,783, the second-highest in the Hawaiian Islands. Although that means that Kauaʻi can be a tough place to find a “cheap” home, the three areas below are at least a good place to start your search.

Kehaka (96752) / Waimea (96796)

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2022
Average Home Price

$675,842

Average Zillow
Home Value

$696,181

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,160

Kauaʻi’s south shore is hot, sunny, and dry—exactly what many people dream of when they think about living in Hawaiʻi. As you drive farther and farther west, you’ll start to leave Kauaʻi’s resort areas behind for a quieter, more remote atmosphere. In and around Kekaha and Waimea, you’ll find single family homes, as well as empty lots waiting for you to put your own stamp on them.

Kapaʻa (96746)

Our List of the 15 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii (14)

2022
Average Home Price

$907,389

Average Zillow
Home Value

$857,509

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,476

Located just up the road from Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa is a bit removed from the busier surroundings in the island’s commercial center. You’ll still find plenty of amenities in Kapaʻa—shops, restaurants, and the Ke Ala Hele Makālae multi-use path, which offers gorgeous coastal views. You’ll also find a variety of home types in the area—condos, townhouses, and single-family homes—so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your budget.

Līhuʻe (96766)

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2022
Average Home Price

$824,093

Average Zillow
Home Value

$780,160

Craigslist
Average Rent

$2,392

As Kauaʻi’s center of commerce, Līhuʻe is the island’s central hub of activity. If it’s convenience you’re after—plus a central jumping-off point to explore the rest of the island—Līhuʻe is a great choice. You’ll also find a number of condos in the area, which can deliver a delightfully low-maintenance lifestyle.

Finding Hawaiʻi’s Most Affordable Places to Live

Living in paradise comes at a price. However, more than 1.4 million people have made it work, so why not you? With this list of the cheapest places to live in Hawaiʻi, you’ll have a solid foundation for further research. Then, when the right opportunity comes along, you’ll be ready to pounce.

Need some help making a safe, easy, and affordable move to Hawaiʻi? Our experts would be happy to help! Just reach out for a free quote to get started. We have options for all sizes of moves—and all budgets.

Data Sources: zillow.com, lookups.melissa.com, craigslist.org

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Our List of the 15 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii (2024)

FAQs

What part of Hawaii is the cheapest to live in? ›

Most Affordable Places to Live in Hawaii in 2024
  • Hana, Maui.
  • Hilo, Island of Hawaii.
  • Kahuku, Oahu.
  • Kahului, Maui.
  • Kapa'a, Kauai.
  • Waianae, Oahu.
  • Wailuku, Maui.
  • Waimalu, Oahu.
Jun 18, 2024

Can you live in Hawaii with $3000 a month? ›

Generally speaking, though, retirement in Hawaii with $3,000 per month would be a tight squeeze for one person. According to MIT's Living Wage Calculator, an individual without children would need to make at least $55,000 before taxes each year (or at least $4,500 per month) to maintain the standard of living.

Which Hawaii island is the cheapest? ›

Oahu has the lowest daily average hotel room rate of the islands and the lowest average daily spending per tourist, according to May 2024 data from the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Oahu? ›

Waianae is the cheapest place to live in Oahu. This small town is located on the island's eastern coast and is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and authentic local cuisine. Local attractions here include the Waianae Mountain Range, Kahumana Organic Farms & Cafe, and Pokai Bay Beach Park.

How much do you need to make in Hawaii to live comfortably? ›

Studies have the cost of living in Honolulu requires residents to have an income of $200,000+ are required to live comfortably in the state's capital. This is subjective of course, but according the U.S. Census, Honolulu's median household income was around $80,000 in 2019.

What time of year is cheapest to move to Hawaii? ›

The best time to move to Hawaii is between March and May, or from August to October, when fewer tourists visit. Because of this, flights, hotel accommodations, and even home rental rates are more affordable during those times. Whichever time of year you move, it's best to get a three-month head start on the planning.

What is the minimum wage in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii's new minimum wage — $14 an hour — is estimated to affect 21.8% of the state's workforce and result in a $1,380 boost in annual wages for the average full-time, year-round affected worker, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C.

How much money do I need to save to move to Hawaii? ›

A single person moving alone and renting can get away with around $15,000 in savings excluding down payment. But even with a job lined up and a guaranteed position without a break in pay, more than $15,000 in savings is much better. Around $50,000 would provide a good cushion for a single person in most circumstances.

How long do you have to live in Hawaii to be a resident? ›

A Hawaii Resident is an individual that is domiciled in Hawaii or an individual that resides in Hawaii for other than temporary purpose. An individual domiciled outside Hawaii is considered a Hawaii resident if they spend more than 200 days in Hawaii during the tax year.

Where is the cheapest place to land in Hawaii? ›

Kahului. Touting an average price of just $569 round trip and attracting at least double the amount of searches for flights to its runways than each of Lihue, Hawaii Island and Hilo's airports, Kahului is not only the cheapest gateway to Hawaii but also the second most popular overall.

What is the most affordable Island to retire in Hawaii? ›

Hilo (The Big Island)

Walkable, active, and neighborly, the cost of properties in Hilo is significantly lower than properties in major metropolitan areas such as Honolulu. Median home prices in Hilo are $290,700, whereas the median home prices in Honolulu are nearly $600,000 -- over twice the price.

Is it cheaper to go to Mexico or Hawaii? ›

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $197, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment.

What is the least expensive place to live in Hawaii? ›

7 Cheapest Places to Live in HI
  • Mountain View. Cost of Living Compared to State Average. ...
  • Hilo. Cost of Living Compared to State Average. ...
  • Waianae. Cost of Living Compared to State Average. ...
  • Honolulu. Cost of Living Compared to State Average. ...
  • Lihue. Cost of Living Compared to State Average. ...
  • Ewa Beach. ...
  • Waipahu.
May 23, 2024

How to get affordable housing in Hawaii? ›

HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you. To apply for either type of help, visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

Where do most of the homeless live on Oahu? ›

Meanwhile, the Waianae Coast continues to have the largest unsheltered homeless population of any community on the island. One theory in the past on the sharp differences in different communities was that homeless people were moving from one part of the island to another.

What is the best side of Hawaii to live on? ›

The west side of the Big Island is hands down, the best. Here you will find dry sunny days, balmy tropical evenings, beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling, a developed coastline, quaint shopping areas and more. Popular areas of the west side are the Kohala Coast region, Waikaloa and Kailua-Kona.

Is Hawaii worth moving to? ›

Although it's a more complex transition than a relocation on the mainland, moving to Hawaii offers plentiful rewards: beautiful weather year-round, easy access to miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, abundant outdoor activities, and, of course, Hawaii's unique aloha spirit that infuses the local culture.

How much is a gallon of milk cost in Hawaii? ›

Buying Groceries and Dining Out

This can be explained by the fact that many goods and food products are shipped to the Aloha State from the mainland, affecting the overall cost of groceries. A gallon of milk ranges between $6 to $9. Regular veggies per pound come at around $4.

How much money should you save before moving to Hawaii? ›

Around $50,000 would provide a good cushion for a single person in most circumstances. For a family or professional moving to the islands, around $50,000 in savings is the absolute minimum you should have.

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