Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii in 2020

Posted Moving Abroad / January 5, 2018
Kate Holland

A true grunge and rock music fan born in Seattle, Kate has moved across the country and started writing about her experience.

The Aloha islands in the Pacific Ocean are some of the most beautiful islands in the world. However, they’re also pretty costly. If you’re thinking about moving to another state, you should consider checking what the cheapest places to live in Hawaii are. Hopefully, with this short list, you’ll be able to decide the best location for your new home.

Affordable Homes in Kauai

Kauai, or The Garden Isle, as some call it, is located in the north. With its beautiful scenery, green valleys, and great mountains, it is the best location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. For those who seek adventure, you can visit by sea or air some parts of the island that are otherwise inaccessible. If you’re interested in living here, be sure to choose between the cities of Kapaa and Waimea.

Kapaa – Largest City on Kauai

Kapaa is the largest city on Kauai, located on the Coconut Coast. Here you can visit the island’s many beaches, have fun with different outdoor activities, and experience the overall city life. The cost of living here is lower than the Hawaiian average, with the median rent of about $1,350. Healthcare and transportation are below average U.S. numbers. With the median income of $75,000, residents lead an affordable life. If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know that the median home value currently is about $550,000. You can opt for smaller homes, but if you don’t want to get rid of some of your stuff, you can reserve storage services from an international moving company.

Waimea – Explorers Love It Here

For those who seek outdoor adventure and local cowboy culture, come to Waimea – especially if you’re moving to Hawaii with pets! Here you can explore the variety of restaurants, bars, businesses, or even visit the Kahilu Theatre. Overall the cost of living here is even lower than in Kapaa, and with the median household income of about $75,000, it’s a great place to be in. Even houses are affordable, with a median home value of about $540,000. Waimea is definitely one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii.

Visit the Heart of Hawaii – Oahu

Usually called The Gathering Place, Oahu is the third-largest island and has the lowest prices, making it the cheapest Hawaiian island to live on. Oahu is perfect for all kinds of people since it fuses Eastern and Western cultures through Native Hawaiian traditions, making it a terrific choice if you’re moving with kids. It’s the contrast between the old and the new that makes Oahu remarkable.

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Waianae – The Best of Beach Towns in Hawaii

Love the beaches, but hate the crowd? Definitely come to Waianae! You can snorkel with turtles at Makaha Beach or just rest at Pokai Bay. The average rent only slightly exceeds $1,000 and the median income of about $60,000, which means it has one of the best rent-to-income ratios. The median home value is currently about $420,000. That’s excellent for those who just want to settle among nature. This paradise is located a short ride from Kapolei, so all amenities are within reach. Be sure to check out overseas car shipping services in case you’re planning on driving around Waianae.

The Ultimate Guide for Living in Oahu

If you’re thinking about living somewhere on the coast of Oahu, you should know all the details regarding this affordable paradise. Be sure to check out this video and see all the wonders Oahu has to offer to its residents before hiring an overseas moving company.

Enjoy the Hawaiian Life in Molokai

If you want to experience true Hawaiian life, you must come to Molokai! The fifth-largest island is known for its deeply Hawaiian roots, where residents have Native Hawaiian ancestry. You can walk up to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park or swim at Papohaku Beach. One way or another, you’ll see Hawaii in its true form.

Kaunakakai – A Unique Hawaiian Experience

Kaunakakai is ideal for those who want to be off the grid as a Hawaiian. There are few amenities, and the cost of living is 37% lower than the state average. The city is really unique. It is advised only for those who are self-employed or able to work remotely to live in this type of city. The median home value currently is about $250,000, which is quite affordable, and so are healthcare and transportation services. It can be tricky to pack for such an off-grid life, so feel free to explore options for professional packing services.

Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii – The Big Island

The Big Island is the youngest and largest of all Hawaiian islands. As such, it is definitely not the cheapest island to live on in Hawaii. It is home to the state’s capital – Honolulu. While Honolulu might not be a cheap place, there are other wonderful cities here. You can go from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the heights of snowy Maunakea, from green fields of Hilo to black sands of Punaluu Beach.

Hilo – The Cultural Center

Hilo is a great city full of museums, galleries, bars, restaurants, and shops for city-people, but also full of beaches and nature reserves for the adventurous type. The average median home value in Hilo is about $340,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii. That price is about 50% cheaper than in Honolulu, but with the same quality. The cost of living here is also below average, with affordable amenities and services at your disposal.

Kurtistown – Tropical Refuge

Kurtistown, HI is a city near Hilo, home to tropical, rainy scenery. Thanks to its rainy days, it is one of the most agriculturally productive places in the state. You can walk through each park for some leisure time, like Linda’s Place, Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center, and the Royal Palm Enterprises. The median home value is currently about $320,000, while costs for different services like healthcare, transportation, and entertainment are right around the national norm, although utilities are expensive.

Have Fun in the Aloha State

Before moving to Hawaii, consider hiring an international moving company for professional moving services. With their assistance, you can easily plan your new adventure in the Aloha State. Feel free to ask any questions and get a free quote on desired services. Remember, living in Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so be sure to experience it in the best possible way.

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