What is the cost of living in Hawaii?

Check Moving to Hawaii can be an exciting adventure for military service members and their families, but it can also be overwhelming to navigate the unique challenges of island living. One of the most important questions that military service members ask when moving to Hawaii is about the cost of living. The cost of living in Hawaii is higher than on the mainland United States, but it varies depending on the island and the neighborhood.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the most expensive city in Hawaii, with a cost of living index of 180.8, compared to the national average of 100. This means that everything from housing to groceries is more expensive in Honolulu than in most other places in the country. For example, a gallon of milk costs around $5 in Honolulu, while in the mainland United States it is typically around $3.

Military service members should research the cost of living for their particular island and see how sufficient their housing allowance or other forms of compensation are to cover their expenses. Be prepared to adjust your budget and lifestyle to accommodate the higher cost of living in Hawaii.

See how the cost of living compares to other areas in the USA.

One way for military service members to reduce their living expenses in Hawaii is to take advantage of military discounts and benefits. Many stores, restaurants, and other businesses in Hawaii offer discounts to military service members and their families, you just have to ask!

The Department of Defense also offers various benefits and resources to help military families save money, such as the Military and Family Life Counseling program and the Thrift Savings Plan.