Kahului, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Kahului is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this Hawaiian city.

The cost of living encompasses various factors such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which can significantly impact your budget and lifestyle.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $46 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $52 to $80.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.5, with a range between $14 and $17.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7.5, imported beer averages $7, cappuccino $6.02 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.79 to $2.95.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.64 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $5.51.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $5.99.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $8.82 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are priced at $6.61 per kg, lettuce costs $3 per head, and tomatoes are $8.6 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $45.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.14 and $1.32 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2500.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2000.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2800 to $3300, averaging $3050.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $3500, averaging $3250.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $12863.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $12863.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $170 and $225, averaging $197.5.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $69, with an average cost of $54.5.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages $80.
Worldwide
United States

Cost of Living Rankings

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$46.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$75.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$15.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.87
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.00
Cappuccino (regular)
$7.01
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.64
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$5.51
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.60
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$20.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.02
Apples (1kg)
$8.82
Potato (1kg)
$6.61
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.00
Tomato (1kg)
$8.60
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$45.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.22
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$2,500.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$2,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,050.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$3,250.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$197.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$54.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$80.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$25.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$65.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$105.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$12,863.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$12,863.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$6,000.00
Kahului Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Kahului offers a high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining, which are significantly above the national average.

Transportation and utilities are relatively affordable, but grocery prices can be steep, especially for fresh produce.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining, and consider cost-saving measures such as using public transport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Kahului, HI, presents a unique blend of high living costs and the allure of island life.

While the expenses, particularly in housing and dining, are high, the city's natural beauty and cultural richness offer a compelling lifestyle.

Potential residents should weigh these factors carefully and plan their finances to enjoy all that Kahului has to offer.