Hawaii's cost of living index is 170 — 70.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
170
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+70.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$83,102
Hawaii median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$48,884
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 170 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +70.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $83,102 | Hawaii median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $48,884 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 1,455,271 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 170, Hawaii is 70% above the national average. Higher costs in Hawaii mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $83,102 in Hawaii provides the equivalent purchasing power of $48,884 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Hawaii's median home price of $820,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (11% top rate in Hawaii), sales tax (4.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.28%).
