Cost of Living in Honolulu, HI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,578 (excluding rent), and $3,602 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,809 (excluding rent), and $7,717 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$23.69 $23.69

$15.12 $15.12

$50.4 $50.4

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 $101

$70.9 $70.9

$203 $203

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$15.2 $15.2

$12.16 $12.16

$17.73 $17.73

Cappuccino

$7 $7

$5.13 $5.13

$9.23 $9.23

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 $3.69

$2.49 $2.49

$4.73 $4.73

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.84 $2.84

$2.03 $2.03

$5.08 $5.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.77 $7.77

$4.86 $4.86

$11.66 $11.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.85 $8.85

$6.89 $6.89

$11.81 $11.81

Milk (1 liter)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.56 $1.56

$2.58 $2.58

White Bread (500g)

$6.89 $6.89

$4.53 $4.53

$10.2 $10.2

Rice (white) (1kg)

$10.41 $10.41

$3.33 $3.33

$17.9 $17.9

Eggs

$7.79 $7.79

$4.32 $4.32

$12.2 $12.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$30.76 $30.76

$13.33 $13.33

$70.5 $70.5

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$19.02 $19.02

$5.47 $5.47

$39.36 $39.36

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.78 $19.78

$10.95 $10.95

$35.05 $35.05

Apples (1kg)

$6.82 $6.82

$2.72 $2.72

$10.85 $10.85

Banana (1kg)

$4.19 $4.19

$2.76 $2.76

$8.65 $8.65

Oranges (1kg)

$6.65 $6.65

$3.4 $3.4

$11.33 $11.33

Tomato (1kg)

$8.35 $8.35

$3.57 $3.57

$17.86 $17.86

Potato (1kg)

$5.06 $5.06

$2.62 $2.62

$6.54 $6.54

Onion (1kg)

$4.5 $4.5

$2.99 $2.99

$6.54 $6.54

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.8 $4.8

$1.97 $1.97

$5.91 $5.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.18 $3.18

$1.53 $1.53

$5.11 $5.11

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.86 $11.86

$9.88 $9.88

$14.52 $14.52

Wine (Bottle)

$17.84 $17.84

$9.42 $9.42

$39.65 $39.65

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.49 $2.49

$1.74 $1.74

$4.31 $4.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.8 $5.8

$2.56 $2.56

$8.19 $8.19

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$3.07 $3.07

$5.11 $5.11

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$78.9 $78.9

$86.8 $86.8

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.45 $3.45

$3.95 $3.95

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.55 $2.55

$3.04 $3.04

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$45.62 $45.62

$50.9 $50.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 $1.22

$1.04 $1.04

$1.29 $1.29

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.2K $30.2K

$23.1K $23.1K

$35.5K $35.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$24.2K $24.2K

$25.9K $25.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$235 $235

$150 $150

$602 $602

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$66.8 $66.8

$43.81 $43.81

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$66.9 $66.9

$49.85 $49.85

$89.7 $89.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$57.1 $57.1

$24.77 $24.77

$99.1 $99.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$28.5 $28.5

$28.1 $28.1

$30.1 $30.1

Cinema Ticket

$16.22 $16.22

$13.18 $13.18

$20.28 $20.28

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,476 $1,476

$1,083 $1,083

$2,362 $2,362

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$20.8K $20.8K

$17.6K $17.6K

$33.5K $33.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.7 $57.7

$30.29 $30.29

$75.7 $75.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$59.9 $59.9

$34.97 $34.97

$130 $130

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 $105

$64.3 $64.3

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$126 $126

$69 $69

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,126 $2,126

$1,626 $1,626

$2,845 $2,845

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,823 $1,823

$1,275 $1,275

$2,159 $2,159

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,121 $4,121

$3,475 $3,475

$4,965 $4,965

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,726 $3,726

$2,548 $2,548

$4,586 $4,586

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$9,271 $9,271

$7,973 $7,973

$13.1K $13.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$7,966 $7,966

$7,490 $7,490

$9,227 $9,227

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,188 $4,188

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.59

6.19

6.99

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Honolulu, HI - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Honolulu, HI, United States frames the bigger picture: everyday expenses tend to run higher than many destinations, especially for housing near the shoreline and dining out. You’ll find value by choosing long-stay options, comparing mainland benchmarks, and leaning into local markets for groceries. On balance, you can balance costs by staying in walkable neighborhoods away from resort hubs, cooking at home, and using public transit or shared rides. Seasonal variations matter – off-peak periods can ease prices for accommodations and activities. Overall, Honolulu offers a strong lifestyle payoff for those who prioritize outdoor access and a steady work-life balance. Tip: build a flexible budget that targets essentials first.

Knowing Honolulu, HI, United States living cost helps you calibrate your housing search, groceries, and daily errands. For housing, start with neighborhood walkability, parking considerations, and lease terms; look at condo buildings with transit access or shared amenities to lower upfront costs. Food options range from vibrant farmers markets to affordable local eateries; mix cooking with occasional splurges on fresh seafood or poke. Transport leans on TheBus, bike lanes, and occasional rideshares; many find coworking spaces that balance price and community useful. Errands flow more smoothly with a plan to hit several stores and services in the same area. Tip: map out a weekly route to save time and fuel.

Quality of life in Honolulu improves when you match budgeting with your lifestyle and neighborhood choice. Use a simple framework that covers housing, groceries, utilities, and moderate discretionary spends, adjusting as you settle in. Seasonality affects crowds and accommodation options, so plan trips and activities around quieter times for better value. For neighborhoods, balance access to beaches and amenities with price; Waikiki offers constant activity but higher costs, while Kaimuki or Mānoa can feel calmer with easier transit access. Embrace local markets, free outdoor activities, and community events to stretch your budget while preserving island living. Tip: set monthly anchors and review them after two weeks to stay aligned.