Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the United States, with an overall index of 184.0 versus the national average of 100.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 110 | 100 |
- •Hawaii's isolation in the Pacific means most goods must be shipped or flown in, pushing up prices across nearly every category.
- •Hawaii has ranked as the most expensive U.S. state to live in for decades running.
Housing Costs
Housing is by far Hawaii's biggest expense, with a housing cost index around 300, roughly triple the national average.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 125.3 | 100 |
- •Hawaii consistently has the highest median home price of any U.S. state.
Utility Costs
Hawaii has the highest electricity prices in the nation, at roughly 42 cents per kWh, more than triple the U.S. average.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Urban Hawaii)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS49F72610).
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 190.2 | 100 |
| Residential electricity price (¢/kWh) | 42 | 16 |
- •Hawaii's electricity prices are typically 3 times the national average because the state has no interstate power grid connections.
Food Costs
Grocery prices in Hawaii run about 50% above the U.S. average, with a typical monthly grocery bill near $650.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 111.6 | 100 |
- •Roughly 85-90% of Hawaii's food supply is imported, which is a major driver of high grocery prices.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Hawaii run moderately above the U.S. average, with an index near 110 despite the state's unique employer mandate.
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare cost index | 110 | 100 |
- •Hawaii was the first U.S. state to mandate employer-sponsored health insurance, a law that predates the Affordable Care Act by decades.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Hawaii run about 40% above the national average, with gasoline prices among the highest in the country.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, West Coast region (PADD 5), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R50_DPG).
| Indicator | Hawaii | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $5.73 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Hawaii has consistently had the highest average gas prices in the United States.