Hawaii
West · Capital: Honolulu · Paradise found — at a paradise price.
Population
1.4M
Median Home
$840K
Median Rent
$2,200/mo
Avg Salary
$66,000
Income Tax
11%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Hawaii
Hawaii offers a quality of life unmatched anywhere in the U.S. — year-round tropical weather, stunning beaches, and a deep, welcoming culture rooted in the Aloha spirit. For many, the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle are simply worth any cost.
And the cost is extraordinary: nearly everything is imported, making groceries, gas, and housing the priciest in the nation, and the top income-tax rate is among the highest. Tourism and the military dominate the economy, so career options in other fields can feel limited on the islands.
Region
West
Capital
Honolulu
Homeownership
60%
Unemployment
3%
Top cities
Honolulu
Population 345K
Bustling capital and cultural heart of the islands.
Hilo
Population 45K
Rainy, lush hub of the Big Island.
Kailua
Population 38K
Windward Oahu town with world-class beaches.
Kaneohe
Population 35K
Green bayside community below the Koolau range.
Kahului
Population 28K
Maui's commercial and transportation center.
Kona
Population 23K
Sunny Big Island coast known for coffee.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Hawaii's overall cost index is 179 — a very high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$840K
Median Rent
$2,200/mo
Property Tax
0.29%
Homeowners
60%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Very High cost | $3,525/mo |
| Hilo | High cost | $2,750/mo |
| Kailua | Very High cost | $3,525/mo |
| Kaneohe | Very High cost | $3,525/mo |
| Kahului | High cost | $2,750/mo |
About 60% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.29% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Hawaii Pacific Health
- Kamehameha Schools
- U.S. Military
Unemployment
3%
Remote-friendly
Moderate
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Hawaii public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Honolulu area schools, Hilo area schools, Kailua area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Hawaii Pacific University
- Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- The Queen's Medical Center
- Straub Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Honolulu. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
48/100
Transit
Oahu has TheBus and a new Skyline rail, but neighbor islands are entirely car-dependent.
I-5, I-15, and I-80 stitch together sprawling western distances. Average one-way commute is about 26 minutes; walkability scores near 48/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Honolulu
Hawaiian Airlines hub
Kahului
Maui gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Tropical and mild year-round, with wetter windward sides and sunny leeward coasts.
Taxes
State income tax
11%
State sales tax
4%
Property tax
0.29%
State income tax: 11%. Statewide sales tax is 4% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.29% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
30 days to register, 30 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Not required
Typical license fee
$35–$90
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$50
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Emerging
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $50. Startup resources include the Honolulu Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Honolulu and Hilo. Rates track the state's very high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Merrie Monarch Festival
The world's premier hula competition, held in Hilo.
Aloha Festivals
Statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture each autumn.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Diverse spiritual landscape blending Christian, Buddhist, and Native Hawaiian traditions.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Honolulu and Hilo are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
One of the most multiethnic states, with Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and Pacific Islander communities.
The honest take on Hawaii
Pros
- Unmatched natural beauty and climate
- Rich, welcoming island culture
- Excellent outdoor lifestyle
Cons
- Highest cost of living in the U.S.
- Very high income tax
- Limited career and housing options
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