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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $3,157 monthly including rent, or $1,635 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,780 with rent, or $2,375 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,403 including rent, or $3,114 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$23.23 $23.23
$14.83 $14.83
$49.43 $49.43
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$99.1 $99.1
$69.4 $69.4
$198 $198
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$14.99 $14.99
$11.99 $11.99
$17.48 $17.48
Cappuccino
$7.02 $7.02
$5.15 $5.15
$9.26 $9.26
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.78 $3.78
$2.56 $2.56
$4.86 $4.86
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.86 $2.86
$2.05 $2.05
$5.11 $5.11
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.13 $8.13
$5.08 $5.08
$12.19 $12.19
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.75 $8.75
$6.81 $6.81
$11.67 $11.67
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.34 $1.34
$1.34 $1.34
$2.69 $2.69
White Bread (500g)
$6.51 $6.51
$4.35 $4.35
$9.78 $9.78
Rice (white) (1kg)
$10.42 $10.42
$3.33 $3.33
$17.92 $17.92
Eggs
$7.66 $7.66
$4.34 $4.34
$12.25 $12.25
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.39 $12.39
$7.07 $7.07
$22.29 $22.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$18.89 $18.89
$5.43 $5.43
$39.10 $39.10
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.78 $19.78
$10.95 $10.95
$35.03 $35.03
Apples (1kg)
$6.87 $6.87
$2.74 $2.74
$10.92 $10.92
Banana (1kg)
$1.54 $1.54
$1.54 $1.54
$8.96 $8.96
Oranges (1kg)
$6.29 $6.29
$3.22 $3.22
$10.72 $10.72
Tomato (1kg)
$8.15 $8.15
$3.49 $3.49
$17.42 $17.42
Potato (1kg)
$5.19 $5.19
$2.69 $2.69
$6.70 $6.70
Onion (1kg)
$4.49 $4.49
$2.98 $2.98
$6.52 $6.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.85 $4.85
$1.99 $1.99
$5.98 $5.98
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3.18 $3.18
$1.53 $1.53
$5.11 $5.11
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.06 $10.06
$10.06 $10.06
$14.78 $14.78
Wine (Bottle)
$15.03 $15.03
$13.03 $13.03
$40.12 $40.12
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.41 $2.41
$1.69 $1.69
$4.17 $4.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.64 $5.64
$2.49 $2.49
$7.96 $7.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.01 $2.01
$1.26 $1.26
$2.01 $2.01
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$81.1 $81.1
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.40 $3.40
$3.40 $3.40
$3.89 $3.89
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.55 $2.55
$2.55 $2.55
$3.03 $3.03
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$44.17 $44.17
$44.17 $44.17
$49.30 $49.30
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.26 $1.26
$1.07 $1.07
$1.33 $1.33
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.5K $30.5K
$23.3K $23.3K
$35.8K $35.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.8K $24.8K
$24.4K $24.4K
$26.1K $26.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$235 $235
$151 $151
$602 $602
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$66.1 $66.1
$43.33 $43.33
$126 $126
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$67.3 $67.3
$40.13 $40.13
$110 $110
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.20 $43.20
$17.58 $17.58
$50.2 $50.2
Cinema Ticket
$16.08 $16.08
$13.07 $13.07
$20.11 $20.11
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,471 $1,471
$1,078 $1,078
$2,353 $2,353
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.4K $20.4K
$17.3K $17.3K
$32.9K $32.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.43 $45.43
$30.28 $30.28
$75.7 $75.7
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.48 $40.48
$35.42 $35.42
$132 $132
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$94.9 $94.9
$65.0 $65.0
$150 $150
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$124 $124
$69.7 $69.7
$199 $199
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,587 $1,587
$1,190 $1,190
$1,984 $1,984
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,466 $1,466
$1,213 $1,213
$1,719 $1,719
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,825 $2,825
$2,478 $2,478
$3,172 $3,172
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,637 $2,637
$2,232 $2,232
$3,043 $3,043
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,497 $2,497
$1,818 $1,818
$2,497 $2,497
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,455 $2,455
$1,992 $1,992
$2,455 $2,455
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
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: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $587 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $99 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $81 per month.

Cost Highlights

Waipahu, HI has the 5th most expensive rice worldwide

White bread is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,591 cities)

Waipahu, HI has the 10th most expensive cappuccino in North America

Waipahu, HI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 Waipahu, HI - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waipahu affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other Hawaiian spots?
Waipahu offers a practical balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, with a mix of housing options and convenient access to both local amenities and Honolulu. Cost of Living in Waipahu, HI, United States tends to feel manageable when you pair slower-paced neighborhoods with good transit options and neighborhood services. You’ll notice more grounded daily life here than in tourist hubs, and you can leverage cheaper groceries, local markets, and community spaces. This combination suits long stays and remote work, as you trade ultra-high costs for steadier routines. Tip: map weekly errands and transit routes to cut back on time and transport costs.
What does daily life look like in Waipahu in terms of housing, food, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life centers on a community feel and easy access to both Waipahu and central Oahu. For housing, you’ll find modest options near bus routes or rail connections; search around the village center and nearby Pearl City for balance between price and convenience. Food options range from local markets to familiar groceries; you’ll enjoy fresh produce and Hawaiian staples without long drives. For transport, you have options from buses to bike-friendly streets and car-sharing, plus short hops to coworking spaces and beaches. Planning your errands by neighborhood helps you minimize backtracking. Waipahu, HI, United States living cost insights come in handy when comparing spots. Tip: keep a simple weekly budget and track it with a note app.
How can you optimize your budget, save, and choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle in Waipahu, considering seasonality and long-term value?
In Waipahu, life quality hinges on a clear budgeting frame and neighborhood fit. Start with a simple framework that tracks housing, groceries, transport, and leisure; set aside a buffer for occasional splurges like weekend markets or outings. Seasonality matters in Hawaii: you may notice busier weekends during holidays and local festivals, which can influence crowding and quick-price shifts in options for dining out or coworking. To save, choose a neighborhood that minimizes commute time to your favorite spots and keep flexible work arrangements in appealing coworking hubs. Tip: schedule shopping trips early in the week and join community groups to snag local deals.
Is Waipahu, HI expensive to live in?
Budget at least $3,157 per month to live in Waipahu, 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 the average cost of living in Waipahu, HI?
A single person in Waipahu, HI typically spends $3,157 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $1,635. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is a good salary in Waipahu, HI?
Earning $4,735 monthly in Waipahu, 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 Waipahu, HI?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Waipahu, HI range from $1,466 to $1,587, 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 Waipahu, HI?
At around $43.20 monthly, gym costs in Waipahu, 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 Waipahu, HI?
Waipahu, HI isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $587 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 $1,500 enough to live comfortably in Waipahu, HI?
At $3,157 in typical monthly expenses, a $1,500 budget barely covers Waipahu, 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 Waipahu, HI a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Waipahu, HI for good reason: fast internet, clean air, coastal lifestyle, all at about $3,157 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

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