Cost of Living in Lihue, HI

With a cost of living index of 168, Lihue, HI is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 68% more expensive than the national average and 11% above the Hawaii state average of 157. Lihue is a smaller community of 7,847 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lihue's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,989 (51% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $843,900 (177% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 10.9x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Lihue is $77,420, which is 3% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.