Living in Hawaii is a dream for many people, but the high cost of living can make it seem out of reach. However, there are still some affordable places to live in the Aloha State. Here, we’ll explore some of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii in 2024, considering factors like housing costs, groceries, transportation, and utilities. We’ll also provide some insights into the lifestyle in each location to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Affordable Place to Live in Hawaii
This Article Includes
- 0.1 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Affordable Place to Live in Hawaii
- 0.2 Related posts
- 0.3 Officials: Building Is Unsafe To Occupy After The Floor Collapsed During The Maryland Fire
- 0.4 Tattooed Shooter Involved In Tag-team Assault For Shooting Victim In The Face In Jackson: Prosecutor
- 1 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii in 2024
- 2 Additional Tips for Living Affordably in Hawaii
- 3 Conclusion
Before we dive into the specific locations, let’s discuss some essential factors to consider when choosing an affordable place to live in Hawaii:
- Housing Costs: Housing is typically the most significant expense in Hawaii. Renting an apartment or buying a house can be quite expensive, especially in popular tourist destinations.
- Groceries: Groceries are also generally more expensive in Hawaii than on the mainland due to the cost of shipping goods to the islands.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are limited in many parts of Hawaii, so you’ll likely need a car to get around. Gas prices also tend to be higher in Hawaii than on the mainland.
- Utilities: Utilities, such as electricity and water, can also be expensive in Hawaii.
Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii in 2024
Here are some of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii in 2024, based on the factors mentioned above:
- Hilo, Big Island
- Housing Costs: The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hilo is around $1,500 per month, which is lower than the statewide average. You can also find more affordable housing options outside of Hilo town.
- Groceries: Hilo has a good selection of grocery stores, including both national chains and local stores. You can find some good deals on groceries if you’re willing to shop around.
- Transportation: The Big Island Bus provides public transportation service in Hilo and surrounding areas. However, it’s not as extensive as public transportation options in some other parts of the state. Owning a car is recommended for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Hilo, but there are ways to save money, such as using energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels.
- Lifestyle: Hilo is a laid-back town with a strong sense of community. It’s a great place to live if you enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring nature. There are also plenty of cultural attractions in Hilo, such as the Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Pacific Tsunami Museum.
- Pฤhoa, Big Island
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Pฤhoa are generally lower than in Hilo. You can find rentals for as low as $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Groceries: Groceries can be more expensive in Pฤhoa than in Hilo, as there are fewer grocery stores to choose from. However, there are still some good deals to be found if you’re willing to shop around.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are very limited in Pฤhoa. Owning a car is essential for getting around.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Pฤhoa, similar to Hilo.
- Lifestyle: Pฤhoa is a small, rural town with a unique character. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path lifestyle. However, it’s important to be aware that Pฤhoa is located in a volcanic zone and has been affected by lava flows in the past.
- Honokaa, Big Island
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Honokaa are comparable to Hilo. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,500 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Honokaa, as there are only a few small grocery stores. You may need to do your main grocery shopping in Hilo or Waimea.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are limited in Honokaa. Owning a car is recommended for getting around.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Honokaa, similar to Hilo and Pฤhoa.
- Lifestyle: Honokaa is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to live if you enjoy small
- Waimea, Big Island
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Waimea are generally higher than in Hilo or Pฤhoa. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,800 per month. However, Waimea offers a wider range of housing options, from condos to single-family homes.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Waimea, similar to Honokaa. There are a few grocery stores in Waimea, but you may find better deals on groceries in Hilo or Kona.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are limited in Waimea. Owning a car is essential for getting around.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Waimea, similar to other parts of the Big Island.
- Lifestyle: Waimea is a town with a more upscale feel compared to Hilo or Pฤhoa. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a more amenities-rich environment with a focus on outdoor activities like ranching, horseback riding, and golf.
- Mountain View, Big Island
- Housing Costs: Mountain View is known for being one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii. Housing costs are significantly lower than in other parts of the Big Island. You can find rentals for as low as $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Mountain View, as there are only a few small stores. You may need to do your main grocery shopping in Hilo or Waimea.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are very limited in Mountain View. Owning a car is essential for getting around.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Mountain View, similar to other parts of the Big Island.
- Lifestyle: Mountain View is a small, rural town with a remote feel. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a very affordable and secluded lifestyle. However, job opportunities are limited in Mountain View, and you may need to commute to Hilo for work.
Maui
- Kahului, Maui
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Kahului are generally lower than in popular tourist destinations like Wailea or Kihei. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kahului is around $1,700 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Kahului, but there are a good selection of grocery stores, including both national chains and local stores.
- Transportation: Maui Bus provides public transportation service in Kahului and surrounding areas. However, it’s not as extensive as public transportation options on Oahu. Owning a car is recommended for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Kahului, but there are ways to save money, such as using energy-efficient appliances.
- Lifestyle: Kahului is the second-largest town on Maui and the main commercial center of the island. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a more urban environment with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. However, Kahului doesn’t have the same beachfront scenery as some other parts of Maui.
- Hฤna, Maui
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Hฤna are generally lower than in other parts of Maui. However, housing options can be limited.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Hฤna, as there are only a few small stores. You may need to do your main grocery shopping in Kahului.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are very limited in Hฤna. Owning a car is essential for getting around.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Hฤna, similar to other parts of Maui.
- Lifestyle: Hฤna is a remote town on the eastern coast of Maui known for its natural beauty and waterfalls. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path lifestyle. However, job opportunities are limited in Hฤna, and you may need to commute to another part of the island for work.
Kauai
- Kapaa, Kauai
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Kapaa are generally lower than in popular tourist destinations like Poipu or Princeville. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kapaa is around $1,800 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Kapaa, but there are a good selection of grocery stores, including both national chains and local stores.
- Transportation: Kauai Bus provides public transportation service in Kapaa and surrounding areas. However, it’s not as extensive as public transportation options on Oahu. Owning a car is
- Kapaa, Kauai (continued)
- Transportation: Owning a car is recommended for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Kapaa, but there are ways to save money, such as using energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels.
- Lifestyle: Kapaa is a town with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a beach lifestyle with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. However, Kapaa can get crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Lihue, Kauai
- Housing Costs: Housing costs in Lihue are generally on par with Kapaa. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,800 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Lihue, similar to Kapaa. There are a good selection of grocery stores, including both national chains and local stores.
- Transportation: Kauai Bus provides public transportation service in Lihue and surrounding areas. However, it’s not as extensive as public transportation options on Oahu. Owning a car is recommended for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Lihue, similar to other parts of Kauai.
- Lifestyle: Lihue is the largest town on Kauai and the island’s administrative center. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a more urban environment with easy access to shopping, dining, and government services. However, Lihue doesn’t have the same beachfront scenery as Kapaa.
Oahu
- Waianae, Oahu
- Housing Costs: Waianae is known for being one of the most affordable places to live on Oahu. Housing costs are significantly lower than in Honolulu or Waikiki. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Waianae is around $2,100 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Waianae, as there are fewer grocery stores compared to Honolulu. You may find better deals on groceries by shopping in Waipahu or Pearl City.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are limited in Waianae. The bus system runs less frequently than in Honolulu, and there is no rail service. Owning a car is essential for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Waianae, similar to other parts of Oahu.
- Lifestyle: Waianae is a rural town on the west side of Oahu with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable and peaceful lifestyle close to nature. However, Waianae is further away from job opportunities and amenities compared to Honolulu.
- Kahuku, Oahu
- Housing Costs: Kahuku is another affordable option on Oahu. Housing costs are generally lower than in Honolulu or Waikiki. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kahuku is around $1,900 per month.
- Groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Kahuku, as there are only a few small stores. You may need to do your main grocery shopping in Haleiwa or Wahiawa.
- Transportation: Public transportation options are limited in Kahuku. The bus system runs less frequently than in Honolulu, and there is no rail service. Owning a car is essential for getting around most conveniently.
- Utilities: Utilities can be expensive in Kahuku, similar to other parts of Oahu.
- Lifestyle: Kahuku is a small town on the North Shore of Oahu known for its surfing beaches and rural atmosphere. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a close-knit community and a laid-back lifestyle. However, job opportunities are limited in Kahuku, and you may need to commute to Honolulu for work.
Finding the Right Affordable Place for You in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a variety of affordable places to live, each with its unique charm and drawbacks. Consider your priorities when choosing a location. If affordability is your main concern, places like Mountain View on the Big Island or Waianae on Oahu might be good options. If you’re looking for a more urban environment with more amenities, Kahului on Maui or Kapaa on Kauai could be better choices.
Remember, wherever you choose to live in Hawaii, there will likely be trade-offs. You may need to compromise on commute times, access to amenities, or the size and style of your living space. However, the beauty and Aloha spirit of Hawaii can make living in an affordable place here a truly rewarding experience.
Additional Tips for Living Affordably in Hawaii
Here are some additional tips for living affordably in Hawaii:
- Consider renting before buying: Housing prices in Hawaii are high, so renting can be a more affordable option, especially when you’re first starting out. This will also give you time to explore different neighborhoods and decide where you want to live long-term.
- Look for roommates: Sharing a house or apartment with roommates is a great way to reduce your housing costs. This can be a good option if you’re open to living with others and don’t mind sharing common spaces.
- Shop around for groceries: Groceries can be expensive in Hawaii, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices. Look for deals at discount grocery stores and farmers markets. You can also consider buying some staples in bulk from Costco or Sam’s Club.
- Cook at home more often: Eating out can be expensive in Hawaii. By cooking at home more often, you can save a significant amount of money on your food costs. There are many delicious and affordable Hawaiian recipes to explore.
- Look for free and low-cost activities: There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy in Hawaii, such as hiking, swimming at the beach, going to the park, and attending cultural events. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on entertainment.
- Use public transportation when possible: While public transportation options are limited in some parts of Hawaii, using them when available can help you save money on gas and car maintenance. Consider biking or walking for short trips as well.
- Embrace the local lifestyle: Living in Hawaii is all about enjoying the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. Embrace the local lifestyle and focus on the things that don’t cost money, such as spending time at the beach, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
- Be prepared for higher utility costs: Utilities can be expensive in Hawaii due to the cost of fuel and the limited availability of natural resources. Be prepared for higher electricity and water bills compared to what you might be used to on the mainland. There are ways to save on utilities, such as using energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels if possible.
Conclusion
Living affordably in Hawaii is possible, but it requires careful planning and some sacrifices. By following these tips and choosing an affordable place to live that fits your lifestyle, you can enjoy the beauty and Aloha spirit of Hawaii without breaking the bank. Remember, Hawaii offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world.