Hawaii has a cost of living index of 157 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $94,535 and a population of 1,407,113. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Paradise Park is 10% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $81,892 and a population of 13,273.
Hilo is 17% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $78,713 and a population of 48,223.
Waianae is 19% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $84,766 and a population of 12,907.
Nanakuli is 28% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $81,493 and a population of 12,282.
Kaiminani is 41% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $101,320 and a population of 11,542.
Waihee-Waiehu is 66% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $128,266 and a population of 11,369.
Kapolei is 74% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $129,260 and a population of 23,033.
Waimalu is 45% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $89,016 and a population of 14,176.
Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is 45% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $86,743 and a population of 21,851.
Ewa Beach is 74% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $124,958 and a population of 15,388.
Ewa Gentry is 78% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $131,755 and a population of 26,738.
Wahiawa is 42% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $86,883 and a population of 17,515.
Maili is 65% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $104,375 and a population of 12,236.
Waipahu is 56% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $98,633 and a population of 39,871.
Mililani Mauka is 85% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $139,564 and a population of 21,967.
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.