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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,568 monthly including rent, or $1,016 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,090 with rent, or $1,940 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,611 including rent, or $2,864 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.17 $19.17
$12.11 $12.11
$35.32 $35.32
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$79.2 $79.2
$74.3 $74.3
$149 $149
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$15.48 $15.48
$13.98 $13.98
$16.98 $16.98
Cappuccino
$7.17 $7.17
$6.16 $6.16
$8.18 $8.18
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.94 $2.94
$2.86 $2.86
$3.02 $3.02
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.55 $3.55
$3.04 $3.04
$4.06 $4.06
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.20 $7.20
$5.14 $5.14
$7.72 $7.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.63 $7.63
$7.12 $7.12
$8.14 $8.14
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.66 $1.66
$0.77 $0.77
$1.66 $1.66
White Bread (500g)
$3.45 $3.45
$2.07 $2.07
$5.49 $5.49
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.33 $4.33
$2.08 $2.08
$8.56 $8.56
Eggs
$4.07 $4.07
$1.97 $1.97
$6.88 $6.88
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.45 $12.45
$7.11 $7.11
$22.40 $22.40
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.09 $11.09
$6.17 $6.17
$19.96 $19.96
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.42 $15.42
$9.91 $9.91
$24.23 $24.23
Apples (1kg)
$8.93 $8.93
$2.59 $2.59
$8.93 $8.93
Banana (1kg)
$1.64 $1.64
$1.13 $1.13
$4.28 $4.28
Oranges (1kg)
$4.19 $4.19
$2.17 $2.17
$8.69 $8.69
Tomato (1kg)
$8.57 $8.57
$2.19 $2.19
$8.77 $8.77
Potato (1kg)
$6.67 $6.67
$1.33 $1.33
$6.67 $6.67
Onion (1kg)
$2.91 $2.91
$1.87 $1.87
$4.52 $4.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.05 $3.05
$1.41 $1.41
$3.05 $3.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.18 $1.18
$3.19 $3.19
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.47 $9.47
$7.90 $7.90
$11.85 $11.85
Wine (Bottle)
$14.10 $14.10
$9.39 $9.39
$23.49 $23.49
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 $1.79
$1.71 $1.71
$2.83 $2.83
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.07 $4.07
$2.03 $2.03
$6.10 $6.10
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.99 $1.99
$1.24 $1.24
$1.99 $1.99
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$44.88 $44.88
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.40 $3.40
$2.91 $2.91
$4.85 $4.85
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.64 $1.64
$1.57 $1.57
$2.20 $2.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.16 $29.16
$26.37 $26.37
$34.96 $34.96
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25 $1.25
$1.09 $1.09
$1.36 $1.36
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$39.2K $39.2K
$23.2K $23.2K
$39.2K $39.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.3K $26.3K
$25.3K $25.3K
$27.3K $27.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$214 $214
$169 $169
$249 $249
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$78.4 $78.4
$29.40 $29.40
$98.0 $98.0
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$54.1 $54.1
$39.74 $39.74
$68.6 $68.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.74 $42.74
$17.40 $17.40
$49.70 $49.70
Cinema Ticket
$12.80 $12.80
$10.83 $10.83
$17.72 $17.72
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,321 $1,321
$1,018 $1,018
$1,880 $1,880
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.3K $23.3K
$16.7K $16.7K
$27.0K $27.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$38.80 $38.80
$25.30 $25.30
$50.6 $50.6
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.19 $25.19
$25.19 $25.19
$65.5 $65.5
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$66.1 $66.1
$61.0 $61.0
$132 $132
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$106 $106
$90.8 $90.8
$121 $121
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,454 $2,454
$2,454 $2,454
$2,454 $2,454
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,113 $2,113
$1,966 $1,966
$2,261 $2,261
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,481 $3,481
$2,759 $2,759
$4,434 $4,434
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,455 $3,455
$2,961 $2,961
$3,948 $3,948
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,720 $2,720
$1,999 $1,999
$2,720 $2,720
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,391 $2,391
$1,937 $1,937
$2,391 $2,391
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,675 $4,675
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
6.19
7

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $2,454 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,113 outside the center. At 52% of the average salary ($4,675), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,675, while typical expenses reach $3,568. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,352.

Expect to spend about $440 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $79.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $44.88 per month.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,572 cities)

Fast food meal is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

Kahului, HI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Kahului, HI - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Kahului for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other Hawaiian hubs?
Generally, Kahului offers a practical balance of services, climate, and access. The Cost of Living in Kahului, HI, United States tends to be more moderate than Maui’s luxury resort pockets and higher than many mainland mid-sized cities, driven by housing and transport options. Short-term stays near central hubs are convenient, while exploring nearby neighborhoods can reveal more affordable leases or shared arrangements. You’ll find a mix of casual eateries, farmers' markets, and affordable local goods that help you maintain a comfortable routine without paying premium resort prices. Transit is feasible with a car or modest bus use, easing daily life. Tip: Compare neighborhoods by commute and amenities to tailor value to your lifestyle.
What does daily life look like for housing search, groceries, transport, and coworking in Kahului?
Daily life centers on practical choices: housing options range from compact studios to modest two-bedroom units, often with flexible leases. Food comes from a mix of local markets, farmers' stands, and midrange grocery stores, plus affordable takeout and casual dining. For transport, a car is common, though Maui’s limited bus service and ride-sharing can cover key routes; biking is feasible in good weather. Co-working spaces exist in town centers and nearby Wailuku, offering reliable wifi and quieter environments outside peak tourist times. Understanding Kahului, HI, United States living cost can help you time leases and choose utilities to your plan. Tip: Choose a neighborhood with easy access to groceries and a short commute to your workspace.
What factors contribute to quality of life and budgeting strategies, plus seasonal and neighborhood fit in Kahului?
A practical budgeting framework helps maintain balance between work and life. A simple 50/30/20 approach (housing/essentials/discretionary) provides a starting point, then you tailor it to utilities and transportation. For quality of life, target neighborhoods with walkability to groceries, cafés, and a coworking spot, plus reasonable access to beaches and parks. Expect seasonal shifts: peak tourist months can tighten availability and raise small costs, while off-peak times may offer quieter streets and sweeter lease terms. Seasonality also affects activities and crowds, so plan your schedule accordingly. Tip: Test a short-term stay in your top neighborhood to confirm fit before a longer commitment.
Why is Kahului, HI so expensive to live in?
Living in Kahului, HI doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $3,568, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
Is Kahului, HI expensive to live in?
Budget at least $3,568 per month to live in Kahului, HI once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
What is a good salary in Kahului, HI?
Earning $5,352 monthly in Kahului, HI means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Kahului, HI?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Kahului, HI range from $2,113 to $2,454, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Kahului, HI?
At around $42.74 monthly, gym costs in Kahului, HI are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Kahului, HI?
Kahului, HI isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $440 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Kahului, HI?
At $3,568 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Kahului, HI. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Kahului, HI good for expats?
Expats in Kahului, HI enjoy fast internet, clean air, family-friendly facilities, and monthly costs average around $3,568. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.

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