Most Affordable Places to Live in Hawaii

Hawaii is a dream destination with stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a vibrant culture. It offers a high quality of life, though housing costs and job opportunities vary across islands.

In 2024, median home prices are around $1.1 million, with rents averaging $2,000 per month. While Oahu has the most job opportunities, all islands provide a unique lifestyle and strong sense of community.

This guide explores affordable towns, cost of living insights, and assistance programs to help you find the best places to live in Hawaii while enjoying its unmatched beauty.

Despite its reputation for being an expensive place to live, Hawaii offers unique advantages that make it worth considering for affordable living:

Hawaii's diverse landscapes, from golden beaches to volcanic mountains, provide an unparalleled environment. Whether you love hiking, surfing, or simply enjoying the sunset, there's no shortage of outdoor activities.

The "Aloha Spirit" isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life. Hawaii’s residents value close-knit communities, making it an excellent place to build meaningful relationships.

With an average temperature ranging from 75–85°F, Hawaii offers consistent warm weather throughout the year, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of mainland cities, Hawaii’s lifestyle is more laid-back. If you’re looking to escape the stress of big cities, Hawaii provides a more relaxed atmosphere.

Compared to the mainland, Hawaii has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. The state’s average effective property tax rate is 0.28%, significantly lower than the national average of 1.07%.

Before deciding where to live, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living in Hawaii.

• Average Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800–$2,500 (varies by location)

• Average Home Price: $546,001 (statewide)

Housing prices can be significantly higher in cities like Honolulu and Maui, while smaller towns on the Big Island and parts of Oahu offer more affordable options.

• Electricity: $200–$300/month (higher than the U.S. average due to Hawaii’s reliance on imported fuel)

• Water & Sewer: $75–$100/month

• Internet: $70–$100/month

• Gas Prices: Around $4.50–$5.50 per gallon

• Public Transportation: A monthly bus pass on Oahu costs about $70

• Car Insurance: Higher than the national average due to the limited number of providers

Because many food products are imported, grocery prices tend to be higher in Hawaii.

• Milk: $6–$8 per gallon

• Eggs: $5–$7 per dozen

• Rice (a local staple): $20–$30 for a large 25-lb bag

Hawaii has one of the best healthcare systems in the U.S., but costs are slightly above the national average. A doctor’s visit costs about $150 without insurance.

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If you’re searching for the best affordable places to live in Hawaii, here are some top choices:

Hilo, located on the Big Island, is one of the most affordable cities in Hawaii for homebuyers. It is known for its lush green landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant local culture. Unlike the resort-heavy areas of Hawaii, Hilo has a more laid-back and community-oriented feel.

• Home Prices: Hilo has some of the lowest home prices in the state, with a median home price of around $131,007—far below the state average.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hilo is lower than in Honolulu and Maui, especially when it comes to housing. Utility costs can be high, but overall, the area remains affordable.

• Job Availability: The job market in Hilo revolves around education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. The University of Hawaii at Hilo and Hilo Medical Center are major employers in the area.

Mountain View is a rural town located about 15 miles south of Hilo. It offers an even more affordable housing market while still providing access to Hilo’s amenities. This town is ideal for homebuyers looking for large properties and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Home Prices: With a median home price of approximately $322,712, Mountain View provides an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking more land and privacy.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living is lower than in urban areas, though transportation costs can be slightly higher due to its remote nature.

• Job Availability: Employment opportunities mainly revolve around agriculture, small businesses, and remote work. Many residents commute to Hilo for work.

Waianae is located on the west coast of Oahu, about 30 miles from downtown Honolulu. It offers some of the most affordable beachfront properties on the island, making it a great choice for homebuyers looking for an oceanfront lifestyle without the high price tag of areas like Waikiki.

• Home Prices: The median home price in Waianae is around $237,500, making it one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Oahu.

• Cost of Living: Housing costs are lower than in Honolulu, but groceries and utilities are still relatively high due to the island's overall cost of living.

• Job Availability: While Waianae itself has fewer job opportunities, many residents commute to Honolulu for work in healthcare, tourism, and government sectors.

Pahoa, another affordable location on the Big Island, is known for its bohemian lifestyle, lush tropical setting, and affordable real estate. It has a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

• Home Prices: Pahoa offers some of the lowest home prices in Hawaii, with a median home price of around $270,000.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living is significantly lower compared to the rest of the state. However, utility costs and transportation expenses can be slightly higher due to the town’s remote location.

• Job Availability: The job market is smaller, with employment opportunities in local businesses, tourism, and agriculture. Many residents work remotely or commute to Hilo for work.

Ewa Beach is a growing suburban area on Oahu, located just 20 miles from downtown Honolulu. It offers a mix of newer housing developments, good schools, and convenient access to city amenities, making it a great choice for families.

• Home Prices: With a median home price of $236,560, Ewa Beach provides an affordable alternative to Honolulu while still being close to major job centers.

• Cost of Living: Housing is cheaper than in central Honolulu, but the cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities remains relatively high.

• Job Availability: Job opportunities in government, healthcare, education, and retail are abundant. Many residents commute to Honolulu or Pearl Harbor for work.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Hawaii, these towns offer the best home affordability:

Mountain View is a rural community located about 15 miles south of Hilo on the Big Island. Surrounded by lush greenery and tropical forests, it offers a peaceful environment for those seeking space and tranquility.

• Median Home Price: $322,712

• Key Considerations: Mountain View provides larger plots of land at lower prices compared to urban areas, making it ideal for those who want a private, rural lifestyle. It’s perfect for homebuyers looking to escape city life while still being close enough to essential amenities in Hilo.

Hilo is the largest city on the Big Island and is known for its small-town charm, beautiful waterfalls, and rich cultural scene. Despite being one of Hawaii’s major cities, it remains one of the most affordable places to buy a house in the state.

• Median Home Price: $131,007

• Key Considerations: Hilo offers a balance of affordability and urban amenities, including shopping centers, hospitals, schools, and job opportunities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in Honolulu or Maui, making it a great choice for families and retirees looking for an affordable island home.

Waianae is a coastal community located on Oahu’s west coast, about 30 miles from downtown Honolulu. Known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Waianae offers one of the most affordable coastal living options on Oahu.

• Median Home Price: $237,500

• Key Considerations: Waianae is ideal for those looking for affordable beachfront properties in Hawaii. While the area is farther from the city, it provides a laid-back atmosphere with a strong local community. Many residents commute to Honolulu for work, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban job opportunities.

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Hawaii offers various programs to assist residents in securing affordable housing:

• Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): Provides rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) on Oahu.

• Affordable Rental Housing Inventory: Maintained by the Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation, this inventory lists affordable rental projects across the state.

• City and County of Honolulu Affordable Housing: Developers are required to designate a portion of housing units as affordable, providing opportunities for eligible buyers.

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Because moving to Hawaii shouldn’t just be affordable. It should feel empowering.

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If you're also trying to stretch your budget without compromising on safety, don’t miss our guide to the safest places to live in Hawaii —because peace of mind shouldn’t come at a premium.

And if you're still weighing your options, wondering whether to rent or buy, you're not the only one asking that question right now. Our Rent vs. Buy comparison breaks down the pros, cons, and long-term trade-offs—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits your life.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

Sign up for free