Cost of living in Honolulu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and unique island lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in this tropical paradise is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Honolulu, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $18 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $87.5, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14, with a range between $12 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $7 to $14, cappuccino $5 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $4.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.59 and $2.9 per liter, averaging $2.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $4.41 and $8.82, with an average price of $6.64.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4 to $10, averaging $6.71.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.95 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $6 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3 and $7, with a monthly pass priced at $80.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $2.61 to $3.11 per km and $44.8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2750, averaging $2233.53.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2200, averaging $1853.57.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $5000, averaging $4133.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $4500, averaging $3600.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $8288.21 to $11840.3, averaging $8880.23.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $7427 to $8288.21, averaging $8144.68.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $172.53 and $600, averaging $286.14.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $90, with an average cost of $68.57.
Cost of Living Rankings
Honolulu ranks 3rd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Honolulu's cost of living is notably high, with significant expenses in housing and dining. Rent prices in the city centre are particularly steep, making it one of the more expensive areas to live in the United States.
Grocery prices also reflect the island's remote location, with higher costs for staples like milk, bread, and eggs.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport offering a viable option for getting around the city.
Conclusion
Living in Honolulu offers a unique blend of urban and island life, but it comes with a high cost of living. Prospective residents should be prepared for elevated expenses, particularly in housing and dining.
Despite the costs, the city's natural beauty and vibrant culture make it a desirable place to live. Careful budgeting and planning can help manage expenses and make the most of what Honolulu has to offer.