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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,190 monthly including rent, or $1,294 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,540 with rent, or $2,184 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $7,889 including rent, or $3,074 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$25.50 $25.50
$19.89 $19.89
$66.3 $66.3
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$112 $112
$76.4 $76.4
$117 $117
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.10 $13.10
$12.36 $12.36
$13.84 $13.84
Cappuccino
$6.36 $6.36
$5.74 $5.74
$6.98 $6.98
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.72 $3.72
$2.97 $2.97
$4.47 $4.47
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.49 $2.49
$1.99 $1.99
$2.97 $2.97
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.90 $6.90
$3.94 $3.94
$7.88 $7.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.03 $8.03
$4.01 $4.01
$10.04 $10.04
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.83 $1.83
-
White Bread (500g)
$6.66 $6.66
-
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.85 $2.85
-
Eggs
$9.96 $9.96
-
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.31 $15.31
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$15.48 $15.48
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.89 $19.89
-
Apples (1kg)
$4.80 $4.80
-
Banana (1kg)
$3.32 $3.32
$3.32 $3.32
$3.32 $3.32
Oranges (1kg)
$8.92 $8.92
-
Tomato (1kg)
$10.08 $10.08
-
Potato (1kg)
$4.78 $4.78
$3.79 $3.79
$5.77 $5.77
Onion (1kg)
$6.20 $6.20
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.90 $11.90
$9.93 $9.93
$13.86 $13.86
Wine (Bottle)
$16.17 $16.17
$13.02 $13.02
$19.32 $19.32
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.67 $1.67
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.62 $1.62
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.98 $1.98
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$51.9 $51.9
$51.9 $51.9
$51.9 $51.9
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$8.19 $8.19
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.82 $1.82
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$15.25 $15.25
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.27 $1.27
$1.12 $1.12
$1.44 $1.44
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$29.95 $29.95
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$59.9 $59.9
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$91.7 $91.7
$59.5 $59.5
$124 $124
Cinema Ticket
$9.06 $9.06
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,180 $1,180
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$16.3K $16.3K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,415 $2,415
$2,012 $2,012
$2,817 $2,817
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,006 $2,006
$1,504 $1,504
$2,507 $2,507
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$5,236 $5,236
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$4,710 $4,710
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,981 $1,981
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.25
6
6.5

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

Last update: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $2,415 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,006 outside the center. At 122% of the average salary ($1,981), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,981, while typical expenses reach $3,190. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $520 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $112 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $51.9 per month.

Cost Highlights

Eggs is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,545 cities)

White bread is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 98% of cities in North America

Lihue, HI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
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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 Lihue, HI - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Lihue for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value?
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.
What does daily life look like in Lihue in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands?
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.
What factors affect quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit when staying in Lihue?
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.
What is the average cost of living in Lihue, HI?
A single person in Lihue, HI typically spends $3,190 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,294. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Lihue, HI in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Lihue, HI come to around $3,190 including rent, or roughly $1,294 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Lihue, HI?
Around $4,785 take-home puts you in a comfortable spot in Lihue, HI – enough for rent, food, bills, and a bit of savings. Drop below that and you'll probably need to share a flat, stick to cooking at home, or pick a neighborhood further out.
What are typical rents in Lihue, HI?
Where you live in Lihue, HI makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $2,415; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,006. Overall, the market runs from $2,006 to $2,415 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Lihue, HI?
At around $91.7 monthly, gym costs in Lihue, 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 Lihue, HI?
Lihue, HI isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $520 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 Lihue, HI?
At $3,190 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Lihue, HI. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Can you retire comfortably in Lihue, HI?
Retirees thrive in Lihue, HI – living costs average around $3,190 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

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