The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Hawaii In 2024


The most affordable places to live in Hawaii for 2024 are Waianae, Nanakuli, and Hawaiian Paradise Park according to Saturday Night Science.

There’s more to Hawaii’s cheapest places to live than just sun-soaked beaches and epic surf breaks. Despite its reputation for high cost of living, you can find an affordable tropical paradise if you stop to look at the data.

At least relatively affordable.

If you’re dreaming of Hawaiian life but are on a budget, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We determined the most affordable place in Hawaii using Saturday Night Science. Consulting Hawaii’s census data for 2024, we looked at the cost of living and housing for every town in Hawaii.

Here’s where you can afford to splurge on a Big Kahuna Burger.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | Summary


Most Affordable Cities In Hawaii Map

What is the cheapest place to live in Hawaii? The most affordable place to live in Hawaii for 2024 is Waianae.

Living in one of Hawaii’s most affordable places provides you extra money to do the fun things that Hawaii offers like take a puddle jumper from the Big Island to Maui or score tickets to Honolulu’s Ukulele Festival.

Check out some more reading about Hawaii and the cheapest places in the country:

The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Hawaii For 2024

Waianae, HI

Source: Wikipedia User Chanilim714 | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 13,749
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 141
Median Income: $77,435
Median Home Price: $590,487
Median Rent: $1,304

We’re taking a long swim up to O’ahu island to get to our cheapest place in Hawaii, Waianae. As the only place on this list with a median rent under $1,000/month, Wainae is a great place to try Hawaii out to see if it’s right for you. And if you lock down a job here, know that the median income is $77,435, which gives Wainae the 13th best rent to income ratio in the state.

And from snorkeling with the turtles at Makaha Beach to just chilling on the soft sand at Pokai Bay, we’re pretty sure money troubles won’t be on your mind here. If you do decide to settle down in Waianae, you’re in luck, because it has the eighth cheapest homes in Hawaii.

More on Waianae: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Nanakuli, HI

Source: Flickr User AndrewEick | CC BY 2.0
Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 12,370
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 142
Median Income: $77,453
Median Home Price: $491,841
Median Rent: $1,621

Beaches, sun, and the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. Access to those usually costs a pretty penny. Nanakuli, Hawaii, lets you get that with a little bit of a bargain. The town represents the number 2 most affordable spot to live in the state.

Nanakuli is located on the island Oahu, about a 40-minute drive down the coast from Honolulu, the state capital and its biggest city. The 12,370 residents of the town can enjoy Nanakuli Beach Park or head inland to the Nanakuli Forest Preserve. And they get these natural wonders on the cheap.

The median home value in the area sits at $491,841. We know…that sounds high. But this is Hawaii, where property is expensive. That figure actually represents the seventh lowest mark in the state. The median rent comes in at $1,621 per month. The overall cost of living is about 50% above the national average, but that’s actually pretty good for the state. Hawaii as a whole runs about 75% more expensive that the U.S. standard.

Looking at other aspects of the economy, the median income stands at $77,453, while the unemployment rate hovers at 11.07%.

More on Nanakuli: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 13,041
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 143
Median Income: $81,236
Median Home Price: $464,269
Median Rent: $1,087

We finish our list of cheapest places to live in Hawaii in Hawaiian Paradise Park. You won’t need to save up your coconuts very long to buy a home in Hawaiian Paradise Park, because the median home price here is $464,269, the lowest in the state by a very wide margin. And folks in Hawaiian Paradise Park pay the fourth smallest percentage of their income on homes statewide.

The only thing Hawaiian Paradise Park doesn’t have going for it is affordable rent, which keeps it from a higher position on this list. In any case, if you do settle down here, chances are you’ll have an awesome time sitting around a campfire at Kaloli Point, with all the mangoes and turtles your heart desires right at your feet.

More on Hawaiian Paradise Park: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 5,393
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 144
Median Income: $91,703
Median Home Price: $605,059
Median Rent: $1,776

Waipio Acres is a great place to live if you are looking for an affordable option in Hawaii. With a median rent of $1,776 and a median home value of $605,059, this town has a cost of living that is lower than the state average. Despite its affordability, residents of Waipio Acres still enjoy a high median income of $91,703, which contributes to a favorable home price to income ratio of 6.60.

In addition to being budget-friendly, Waipio Acres offers a scenic environment that is perfect for individuals seeking a laid-back lifestyle. This town is located in close proximity to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches and outdoor attractions. Waipio Acres provides an excellent combination of affordability and quality of life that makes it an ideal place to call home in Hawaii.

More on Waipio Acres: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Makaha, HI

Source: Wikipedia User Nicolai Edgar Andersen | CC BY-SA 4.0
Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 10,042
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 145
Median Income: $57,235
Median Home Price: $436,915
Median Rent: $1,739

On the western shore of Oahu, Makaha ranks as the fifth most economical city in the state, backed by its below-average $436,915 median home value and a favorable home price to income ratio.

With a population size of 10,042, it has a cost of living index sitting at 145. And with surfing at Makaha Beach Park, there’s an unlimited amount of free fun.

More on Makaha: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Review Of Makaha by HomeSnacks User

Definitely on the outside looking in. I’ve lived it what some would call the ghetto on the mainland. I currently live in Makaha and love it here. I drive through Nanakuli everyday on my way home. The worst part about living here is the traffic. Is there crime, well that’s a stupid question, where there are people there is crime. If you come here respecting the locals you won’t have much problems.

I feel safe in Makaha been here for many years with my family and we love it. You can still find plenty of Aloha from most people in Hawaii, don’t judge people and live life with Love and Aloha and you will find it is usually returned.

Hilo, HI

Source: Flickr User Ron Cogswell | CC BY 2.0
Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 47,627
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 148
Median Income: $75,589
Median Home Price: $489,606
Median Rent: $1,228

The biggest city to make this list and the third biggest city in Hawaii, Hilo ranks as the sixth cheapest place to live in the state. Hilo is a major tourist destination thanks to being the principal city on the Island of Hawai’i. Nature-lovers will definitely want to hit Akaka Falls State Park, while those with an interest in science or history will have a great day out at the Imiloa Astronomy Center. For both sets of people and everyone in between, Hilo has the sixth cheapest homes for sale in Hawaii, with a median price tag of $489,606. Talk about a sweet deal!

More on Hilo: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Source: Public Domain
Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 21,449
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 148
Median Income: $87,268
Median Home Price: $672,686
Median Rent: $1,708

Moving from the west to the east coast of O’ahu brings us to the seventh most affordable place to call home in Hawaii, Kailua. It’s also the place on this list closest to Honolulu, so when your friends come for a visit, they won’t have a long trip after their flight.

And between the beaches, nature trails, and markets, you’ll have plenty to show off when those visitors arrive. While you may be living in one of the states with the highest rent in America, you wouldn’t know it in Kailua, where the rent is about $1,000 less than the statewide average.

More on Kailua Cdp (Hawaii County): Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 13,932
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 151
Median Income: $85,710
Median Home Price: $600,174
Median Rent: $1,854

Waimalu, in Honolulu County, ranks as the eighth most affordable city in Hawaii.

The overall cost of living is 13.2% lower than the Hawaiian average. That leaves more money in your pocket to schedule an exploration of the geographic legends of Waimalu between the East Loch of Pearl Harbor and the terraces in the Waimalu Stream.

More on Waimalu: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Waihee-Waiehu, HI

Source: Wikipedia User Forest & Kim Starr | CC BY 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 11,029
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 151
Median Income: $124,601
Median Home Price: $737,382
Median Rent: $1,922

Aloha and welcome to Waihee-Waiehu, the most affordable place to live in Hawaii for 2024. Homes in Waihee-Waiehu go for about $737,382 and the mediant rent is $1,922/month. While those numbers may seem a tad high, keep in mind that the median income in Waihee-Waiehu is $124,601, so residents have plenty of cash leftover after housing is paid for. In fact, residents of Waihee-Waiehu pay the fifth lowest percentage of their income on homes, and the seventh lowest on rent. Waihee-Waiehu is also home to the Waihee Ridge Trail, which will take you into the clouds to overlook the lush rainforest valley below.

Waihee-Waiehu is located in the east coast of western Maui.

More on Waihee-Waiehu: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Maili, HI

Source: Wikipedia User Nicolai Edgar Andersen | CC BY-SA 4.0
Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 12,114
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 153
Median Income: $105,625
Median Home Price: $662,699
Median Rent: $2,108

Maili is one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii, making it a great option for those looking to save money while still enjoying the island lifestyle. With a median home value of $662,699 and a median rent of $2,108, Maili offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas in Hawaii.

Maili has beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Plus, with a population of 12,114, Maili provides a tight-knit community feel that many people crave.

More on Maili: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Cheapest places to live in Hawaii FAQs

The county in Hawaii with the lowest cost of living is Maui County. The average living wage in Maui County is $103,095 according to MIT data. Maui County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to Hawaii as a whole. Childcare costs $15,986 a year in Maui County for two children compared to the Hawaii average of $17,959. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $21,264 per year in Maui County compared to $23,334 on average in Hawaii.

The cost of living in Hawaii is 20.0% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in Hawaii is $107,702 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a Hawaii household is $83,173.

The cheapest housing market in Hawaii is Hickam Housing. The average home value in Hickam Housing is $0, the lowest in the state. The average home value in Hawaii is $636,400, almost nan times higher than Hickam Housing.

Methodology: How we determined the most affordable places to live in the Aloha State for 2024

Map Of The Cheapest Places To Live In Hawaii
Determining affordability for places in Hawaii boils down to how much it costs to live here.

You need to understand your costs relative to what people in the rest of the state are paying.

With that logic in mind, we derived several cost of living statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2018-2022 for Hawaii using Saturday Night Science. We indexed the cost of living statistics across the following categories:

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Services
  • Groceries
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities

These are then weighted together to produce an overall cost of living index where 100 is the United States average. Anything below 100 is relatively affordable. Anything over 100 is relatively expensive.

We applied the biggest weight to housing as it typically accounts for 25% or more of your budget. Additionally, housing costs are the highest variant cost across a state. We then compare these cost of living metrics for each place in Hawaii to figure out which is the least expensive.

The “Cost of Living Index” allows you to rank all of the 50 places in Hawaii that have more than 5,000 people from least expensive to most expensive. Any ties went to the larger city.

The place in Hawaii with the lowest cost of living according to the data is Waianae.

We updated this article for 2024. This report reflects our tenth time ranking the cheapest places to live in Hawaii.

Hawaii Affordabilility Summary

This is an accurate list of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii for 2024, if you’re looking at the cost of living numbers in Hawaii.

The cheapest cities in Hawaii are Waianae, Nanakuli, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Waipio Acres, Makaha, Hilo, Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), Waimalu, Waihee-Waiehu, and Maili.

Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in Hawaii according to the data:

  1. East Honolulu
  2. Wailea
  3. Kahaluu

For more Hawaii reading, check out:

Cheapest Places To Live In Hawaii

Rank City Population Cost Of Living Index Median Income Home Prices Rent
1 Waianae 13,749 141 $77,435 $590,487 $1,304
2 Nanakuli 12,370 142 $77,453 $491,841 $1,621
3 Hawaiian Paradise Park 13,041 143 $81,236 $464,269 $1,087
4 Waipio Acres 5,393 144 $91,703 $605,059 $1,776
5 Makaha 10,042 145 $57,235 $436,915 $1,739
6 Hilo 47,627 148 $75,589 $489,606 $1,228
7 Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) 21,449 148 $87,268 $672,686 $1,708
8 Waimalu 13,932 151 $85,710 $600,174 $1,854
9 Waihee-Waiehu 11,029 151 $124,601 $737,382 $1,922
10 Maili 12,114 153 $105,625 $662,699 $2,108
11 Napili-Honokowai 6,779 155 $101,939 $821,834 $2,115
12 Wailuku 16,590 157 $93,908 $872,690 $1,586
13 Ewa Villages 6,550 157 $82,903 $826,827 $1,183
14 Kihei 22,247 159 $89,892 $1,082,813 $1,899
15 Kapaa 10,846 161 $87,895 $881,980 $1,829
16 Kahului 27,233 162 $94,712 $947,061 $1,469
17 Wahiawa 17,400 163 $81,433 $804,544 $1,411
18 Ewa Beach 15,167 163 $114,207 $852,428 $2,310
19 Waikele 7,551 163 $115,858 $735,211 $2,468
20 Waikoloa Village 7,418 163 $103,135 $670,515 $1,707
21 Ewa Gentry 27,198 164 $125,300 $776,134 $2,383
22 Kapolei 22,701 164 $121,768 $863,723 $2,269
23 Lihue 8,649 165 $73,641 $815,376 $1,819
24 Makawao 7,704 165 $109,385 $1,027,207 $1,806
25 Iroquois Point 5,921 166 $100,794 $0 $3,249
26 Waipio 11,138 167 $99,815 $705,468 $2,117
27 Lahaina 12,906 169 $83,443 $1,085,380 $1,828
28 Waimanalo 5,743 169 $127,143 $974,481 $1,657
29 Waipahu 39,873 170 $87,961 $861,933 $1,518
30 Wailua Homesteads 7,189 171 $113,306 $906,612 $1,745
31 West Loch Estate 6,469 172 $119,250 $876,218 $2,736
32 Pukalani 7,930 173 $119,426 $973,588 $1,723
33 Mililani Town 27,423 174 $119,502 $918,444 $2,227
34 Makakilo 21,055 176 $115,435 $820,097 $2,071
35 Schofield Barracks 18,133 176 $69,755 $0 $3,073
36 Pearl City 46,812 178 $116,938 $907,483 $2,286
37 Ahuimanu 9,177 179 $124,018 $915,947 $1,968
38 Kahaluu-Keauhou 7,001 179 $87,472 $824,874 $1,888
39 Laie 5,411 180 $108,965 $1,277,549 $2,425
40 Halawa 14,411 181 $100,321 $1,052,178 $1,528
41 Royal Kunia 13,919 182 $128,791 $871,767 $2,572
42 Hickam Housing 9,502 183 $111,139 $0 $3,501
43 Kaneohe 35,493 184 $120,451 $1,031,688 $2,039
44 Ocean Pointe 16,173 185 $136,540 $868,619 $3,383
45 Haiku-Pauwela 9,245 192 $94,495 $990,304 $2,533
46 Aiea 9,571 196 $130,507 $840,829 $2,697
47 Kula 6,578 198 $93,452 $1,294,723 $1,920
48 Kahaluu 5,065 202 $123,365 $1,229,332 $2,161
49 Wailea 6,517 207 $89,088 $1,406,269 $2,263
50 East Honolulu 49,491 214 $151,224 $1,212,724 $3,130
About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.