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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,415 (excluding rent), and $3,129 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,311 (excluding rent), and $6,139 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$46.76 $46.76

$27.45 $27.45

$66.1 $66.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$80.3 $80.3

$75.2 $75.2

$110 $110

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.34 $12.34

$10.86 $10.86

$13.83 $13.83

Cappuccino

$7.14 $7.14

$3.57 $3.57

$8.17 $8.17

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

$2.57 $2.57

$2.02 $2.02

$4.04 $4.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.54 $1.54

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.07 $4.07

$8.64 $8.64

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.12 $4.12

$10.29 $10.29

Milk (1 liter)

$1.81 $1.81

$0.75 $0.75

$1.81 $1.81

White Bread (500g)

$6.49 $6.49

$2.12 $2.12

$6.49 $6.49

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.8 $2.8

$2.04 $2.04

$8.4 $8.4

Eggs

$10.16 $10.16

$2.03 $2.03

$10.16 $10.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.63 $15.63

$7.12 $7.12

$22.42 $22.42

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.32 $15.32

$6.1 $6.1

$19.73 $19.73

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.75 $19.75

$9.88 $9.88

$24.16 $24.16

Apples (1kg)

$4.68 $4.68

$2.52 $2.52

$8.68 $8.68

Banana (1kg)

$3.19 $3.19

Oranges (1kg)

$8.66 $8.66

$2.16 $2.16

$8.68 $8.68

Tomato (1kg)

$9.65 $9.65

$2.14 $2.14

$9.65 $9.65

Potato (1kg)

$4.77 $4.77

$3.78 $3.78

$5.75 $5.75

Onion (1kg)

$5.97 $5.97

$1.78 $1.78

$5.97 $5.97

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.6 $3.6

$1.41 $1.41

$3.6 $3.6

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.22 $1.22

$3.32 $3.32

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.13 $12.13

$10.13 $10.13

$14.14 $14.14

Wine (Bottle)

$14.15 $14.15

$12.94 $12.94

$19.19 $19.19

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$2.9 $2.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.59 $1.59

$5.96 $5.96

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$51.9 $51.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$3.02 $3.02

$5.03 $5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.59 $1.59

$2.22 $2.22

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.94 $28.94

$26.17 $26.17

$34.7 $34.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.39 $1.39

$1.35 $1.35

$1.42 $1.42

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

$30.1K $30.1K

$24.1K $24.1K

$36.7K $36.7K

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

$25.6K $25.6K

$25K $25K

$27K $27K

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

$189 $189

$121 $121

$346 $346

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

$29.64 $29.64

$98.8 $98.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.1 $54.1

$49.14 $49.14

$59 $59

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$93 $93

$60.4 $60.4

$126 $126

Cinema Ticket

$9.15 $9.15

$18.3 $18.3

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

$1,183 $1,183

$986 $986

$1,820 $1,820

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$16.2K $16.2K

$27.6K $27.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.2 $50.2

$29.44 $29.44

$78.5 $78.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.2 $40.2

$25.13 $25.13

$65.3 $65.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.3 $86.3

$59.7 $59.7

$129 $129

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$114 $114

$65.2 $65.2

$204 $204

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,039 $2,039

$1,223 $1,223

$2,039 $2,039

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,475 $1,475

$983 $983

$1,475 $1,475

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,680 $2,680

$2,038 $2,038

$3,057 $3,057

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,241 $2,241

$1,714 $1,714

$2,521 $2,521

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,020 $2,020

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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 Lihue, HI - Frequently Asked Questions

Many travelers, expats, and digital nomads find Lihue a balanced base: some costs feel approachable, while others reflect resort-area dynamics. Cost of Living in Lihue, HI, United States varies by lifestyle, neighborhood, and season, but you’ll notice a small-town rhythm with most services within a short drive. Cooking at home and shopping at local markets can stretch a budget, while dining out remains pricier during peak tourist times. Longer stays unlock better rental terms, and flexible leases or shared housing options can add value. Tip: map your week around groceries, beach days, and a few work sessions to keep expenses predictable.

Daily life hinges on neighborhood choice and pace. In Lihue, you’ll find a mix of cottage rentals, updated condos, and guesthouses within easy reach of groceries and cafes. For groceries, local markets and fish shops pair nicely with larger chains; farmers markets add seasonal staples. Transportation is practical if you own a car; but you can walk or bike for short errands in town. Co-working spaces offer reliable Wi-Fi and quieter days when you need focus. The Lihue, HI, United States living cost awareness helps you balance rent, groceries, and work needs across the month. Tip: plan a weekly routine to minimize back-and-forth trips.

Quality of life here favors outdoor time, community, and a touch of island magic. To budget effectively, use a simple framework like 50/30/20 for housing, essentials, and discretionary spending, plus a small safety buffer for utilities or repairs. Save by choosing energy-friendly accommodations, cooking at home, and taking advantage of farmers markets and free public spaces. Neighborhood fit matters: test a few areas in different seasons to feel walkability, sun, and wind patterns. Seasonality affects crowds and prices more than you might expect, so build a flexible plan. Tip: keep a running monthly ledger to spot trends.