Cost of Living in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2025

Honolulu, Hawaii Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

• Housing Costs: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has increased steadily, reaching about $2,600 in 2025.
• Transportation Expenses: Public transit fares are set at $3.71 for a one-way trip and $94.50 monthly, with fuel costs averaging $4.41 per gallon.
• Healthcare Costs: Monthly employer-sponsored health insurance premiums average $150, with Silver plan premiums near $600.
• Grocery and Dining: Groceries cost around $500 per month per person, with casual meals at about $23.50 and mid-range meals around $100.

Honolulu is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural richness, but living here comes at a premium.

This article offers a detailed overview of Honolulu's cost of living, covering everything from housing to healthcare costs in 2025.

1. Housing Costs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Housing represents one of the largest expenses for residents in Honolulu. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has climbed over the years:

• 2010: About $1,500
• 2015: Approximately $1,800
• 2020: Around $2,200
• 2024: $2,500
• 2025: Projected $2,600

These figures underscore the steady rental price increases, reflecting high demand and limited housing supply.

For hospitality businesses in Honolulu, understanding local real estate market trends can be crucial when considering expansion or relocating staff accommodation.

2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Honolulu, Hawaii

Buying property in Honolulu has also become more costly with notable growth in median home prices:

• 2010: Median price near $500,000
• 2015: Increased to about $600,000
• 2020: Around $700,000
• 2024 and 2025: Stabilized near $771,284

The real estate market's appreciation highlights challenges for new buyers and investors alike.

3. Transportation Expenses in Honolulu, Hawaii

Transportation costs in Honolulu reflect the island’s unique environment:

• Public Transit One-Way Fare: $3.71
• Monthly Public Transit Pass: $94.50
• Fuel Costs: $4.41 per gallon on average
• Vehicle Maintenance: Annual expenses near $1,200

These expenses tend to be higher compared to many mainland cities due to geographic factors and limited alternatives.

4. Utility Costs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Utility bills are known to be one of the more expensive monthly costs here:

• Electricity: $415.01 monthly on average
• Internet: $84.82 monthly
• Total Utilities: $499.83 monthly

High electricity costs stem from reliance on imported fuel and infrastructure constraints.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Honolulu, Hawaii

Food costs, including groceries and dining out, are significantly above national averages:

Groceries cost roughly $500 per month per person. Casual dining averages about $23.50 per meal, while mid-range restaurant meals can reach $100.

Restaurants and bars in Honolulu must consider local costs when hiring, especially for positions like bartenders and servers, who play key roles in food and beverage service profitability.

6. Healthcare Costs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Healthcare expenses include insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs:

Monthly employer-sponsored insurance averages $150, while individual Silver plan premiums approximate $600 per month.

7. Educational Expenses in Honolulu, Hawaii

Education costs vary depending on the pathway chosen:

• Public Schools: Funded by taxes and generally free to residents
• Private School Tuition: Average about $12,000 yearly
• In-State University Tuition: Average near $11,000 annually

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Honolulu, Hawaii

Entertainment options and associated costs include:

• Movie Tickets: Average price of $20.25
• Gym Memberships: About $87.75 monthly
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Meals near $100
• Entertainment Expenses: $3,000 annually

Personal care services average $900 per year, with miscellaneous goods and services costing about $800 annually.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Honolulu, Hawaii

Understanding local taxes is essential for residents:

• State Income Tax: Ranges from 1.4% to 11%
• Sales Tax: Total rate is about 4.5%
• Property Tax: Around 0.28% of assessed value

Hospitality employers should also be aware of tax tips for restaurant owners to optimize financial planning and compliance in the region.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Honolulu, Hawaii

Family costs related to childcare include:

• Daycare: Approximately $1,215 monthly
• After-School Programs: $500 monthly
• Extracurricular Activities: $200 monthly

These figures reflect the high cost of living affecting all family-related expenses.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Honolulu, Hawaii

Monthly expenditures on personal clothing and care are as follows:

• Clothing: Average $150 spent per month
• Personal Care: Approximately $75 monthly

12. Insurance Costs in Honolulu, Hawaii

Various insurance premiums add to living expenses:

• Health Insurance: $600 monthly on average
• Auto Insurance: About $1,500 annually
• Homeowners Insurance: $1,200 annually
• Renters Insurance: $200 annually

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Honolulu, Hawaii

Other living expenses in Honolulu include:

• Entertainment: Estimated $3,000 per year
• Personal Care Services: $900 annually
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services: $800 annually

14. Income and Salaries in Honolulu, Hawaii

Median household incomes have risen steadily in the city:

• 2010: $65,000
• 2015: $70,000
• 2020: $75,000
• 2023: $80,000
• 2025: Projected at $85,000

These income levels directly influence hiring budgets for hospitality roles, from servers' salaries to management compensation.

15. Comparison with National Averages

Honolulu's cost of living comparisons highlight significant differences:

• Overall Cost of Living: Approximately 86% above the national average
• Housing: More than double the national housing costs (206% higher)
• Utilities: On par with the national average (100%)
• Food: Significantly higher by 32%
• Healthcare: 22% above national average
• Transportation: 36% higher
• Goods and Services: 20% higher

For hospitality employers interested in attracting top talent in a competitive market, review our guide to hiring high performers for better recruitment results.

Our Methodology for Honolulu Cost of Living Figures

Our figures are compiled using trusted resources like Numbeo, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Statista and government data. Where specific information was unavailable, reasonable estimates were made to ensure a comprehensive overview.

Honolulu Cost of Living: Conclusion

The cost of living in Honolulu in 2025 is notably high across most categories, especially housing and food.

While salary levels have increased accordingly, budgeting carefully is vital for those living or planning to move here.

Understanding these cost factors helps residents and newcomers navigate financial planning to maintain a quality lifestyle in this unique island city.

Those hiring or managing hospitality staff should also consider the impact of high living costs on employee retention and morale; our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover provide useful insights.