Cost of Living in Kauai, Hawaii - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,026 (excluding rent), and $2,534 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,514 (excluding rent), and $4,979 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.82 $18.82

$11.89 $11.89

$34.67 $34.67

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.7 $75.7

$50.5 $50.5

$126 $126

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.93 $10.93

$9.93 $9.93

$13.91 $13.91

Cappuccino

$5.18 $5.18

$3.57 $3.57

$8.16 $8.16

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

$2.57 $2.57

$2.03 $2.03

$4.05 $4.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.54 $1.54

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.89 $5.89

$3.93 $3.93

$7.85 $7.85

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.79 $6.79

$4.85 $4.85

$9.7 $9.7

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.74 $0.74

$1.42 $1.42

White Bread (500g)

$3.54 $3.54

$2.1 $2.1

$5.55 $5.55

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.43 $4.43

$2.15 $2.15

$8.84 $8.84

Eggs

$4.18 $4.18

$2.02 $2.02

$7.06 $7.06

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.38 $12.38

$7.07 $7.07

$22.26 $22.26

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.63 $11.63

$6.24 $6.24

$20.19 $20.19

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.4 $15.4

$9.9 $9.9

$24.2 $24.2

Apples (1kg)

$4.94 $4.94

$2.58 $2.58

$8.9 $8.9

Banana (1kg)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.09 $1.09

$4.13 $4.13

Oranges (1kg)

$4.15 $4.15

$2.15 $2.15

$8.62 $8.62

Tomato (1kg)

$4.83 $4.83

$2.25 $2.25

$9.02 $9.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.88 $2.88

$1.34 $1.34

$6.23 $6.23

Onion (1kg)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.86 $1.86

$4.49 $4.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.36 $1.36

$2.93 $2.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.22 $1.22

$3.31 $3.31

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.39 $9.39

$7.83 $7.83

$11.75 $11.75

Wine (Bottle)

$13.88 $13.88

$8.92 $8.92

$21.81 $21.81

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.69 $1.69

$2.8 $2.8

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.34 $3.34

$1.59 $1.59

$5.96 $5.96

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.24 $1.24

$1.98 $1.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$3.01 $3.01

$5.02 $5.02

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.57 $1.57

$2.19 $2.19

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.95 $28.95

$26.18 $26.18

$34.71 $34.71

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89 $0.89

$0.79 $0.79

$1.03 $1.03

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

$29.8K $29.8K

$23.9K $23.9K

$36.3K $36.3K

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

$26K $26K

$25.4K $25.4K

$27.4K $27.4K

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

$186 $186

$119 $119

$340 $340

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

$52.8 $52.8

$29.97 $29.97

$99.9 $99.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.6 $68.6

$50.8 $50.8

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.28 $42.28

$17.21 $17.21

$49.16 $49.16

Cinema Ticket

$13.29 $13.29

$10.83 $10.83

$17.72 $17.72

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

$1,318 $1,318

$1,015 $1,015

$1,875 $1,875

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.3K $23.3K

$16.7K $16.7K

$27K $27K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.5 $51.5

$30.34 $30.34

$80.9 $80.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.22 $40.22

$25.14 $25.14

$65.4 $65.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88 $88

$60.9 $60.9

$132 $132

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$114 $114

$65.2 $65.2

$204 $204

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,622 $1,622

$1,215 $1,215

$1,880 $1,880

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,356 $1,356

$1,002 $1,002

$1,502 $1,502

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,593 $2,593

$1,972 $1,972

$2,958 $2,958

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,260 $2,260

$1,729 $1,729

$2,543 $2,543

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,730 $2,730

$1,936 $1,936

$2,730 $2,730

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,469 $2,469

$1,903 $1,903

$2,469 $2,469

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Kauai, Hawaii - Frequently Asked Questions

Overall, Cost of Living in Kauai, Hawaii, United States tends to run higher than many mainland destinations, especially for housing and groceries, but the island rewards you with consistent infrastructure, safety, and a compelling outdoors lifestyle. Expect premium prices for beachfront rentals and dining experiences, while inland towns often offer more balance between space and convenience. Seasonal tourism can push prices up during peak months, and longer stays or off-peak timing can improve value. If you plan thoughtfully – cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and balancing island outings with quieter neighborhoods – you can secure solid value. Tip: Map daily needs and compare neighborhoods by convenience, not just rent.

Knowing the Kauai, Hawaii, United States living cost helps you plan housing search, groceries, and transport as you settle into island life. Housing options cluster around small towns and coastal villages, from walkable centers to more rural homes with courtyards; expect a mix of long-term rentals, duplexes, and guest houses depending on season. Food choices range from farmers markets with fresh produce to coastal fish sellers and grocery chains; prices reflect import reliance, so plan a few weekly meals around in-season staples. Transportation is common by car or scooter; a car-free day is possible only near town cores, but errands often require driving. Tip: Start with a two-week trial stay to test routines and routes.

Quality of life on Kauai comes from balancing nature, pace, and practical planning. Build a budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (food, transport, activities) and allows for seasonal swings in energy use and travel. Favor neighborhoods with easy access to groceries, libraries, beaches, and reliable wifi for remote work; consider commute tradeoffs if you work outside town centers. Save by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and sharing rides during peak tourism seasons. Seasonal crowds shift wait times and service availability, so align shopping and errands to shoulder periods when possible. Tip: Test a couple of neighborhoods during different weeks to feel the rhythm.