Prices in Hawaii are Ridiculous: 7 Things that Cost Way More

from GoBankingRates, April 10, 2024

Hawaii, known for its stunning landscapes and warm climate, also has a reputation for high living costs. The island’s remote location contributes to the inflated prices of various things from small items like eggs to big things like purchasing a home.

It seems no matter which island you choose, you’ll be paying for those beautiful beaches and sunshine all year long on just about every item and every thing. But some things have way inflated prices in the Aloha State. To find this data, GoBankingRates looked at various sources such as Consumer Price Index, US Inflation Calculator, Zillow, and more to find current prices of things in Hawaii to compare them to averages overall in the United States. Here are seven things that are notably more expensive in Hawaii:

Groceries

The cost of transporting goods to the islands significantly increases the price of groceries. Milk, bread, and eggs are all considerably more expensive compared to mainland prices.

• Average Price of Gallon of Milk in Unites States as of 2024: $3.04 per gallon
• Average Price of Gallon of Milk in Hawaii as of 2024: $5.98 per gallon

Gas

Hawaii’s fuel prices are among the highest in the nation. The added cost of shipping fuel to the islands is a primary factor in these elevated prices.

• Average Price of Gas in Unites States as of April 2024: $3.62 per gallon
• Average Price of Gas in Hawaii as of April 2024: $4.72 per gallon

Housing

The limited land availability and high demand for housing in Hawaii result in some of the highest median home prices in the U.S. Renting is also costly, with prices far exceeding those of many mainland cities.

• Average Price of Housing in Unites States: $495,100
• Average Price of Housing in Hawaii: $839,013

Electricity

Hawaii’s electricity rates are the highest in the country. The state’s reliance on imported oil for energy generation contributes to these steep costs.

• Average Price of Electricity in Unites States: 15.45 cents per kilowatt-hour
• Average Price of Electricity in Hawaii: 44.28 cents per kilowatt-hour

Car Rentals

Tourists and residents alike face high car rental prices, which are influenced by the islands’ isolation and the high demand from visitors.

• Average Price of Car Rental in Unites States: about $81 per day
• Average Price of Car Rental in Hawaii: about $157 per day

Dining Out

The cost of dining in restaurants reflects the higher price of ingredients, many of which are imported, as well as the higher costs of rent and labor.

• Average Price of Dining Out for Dinner in Unites States: between $11 and $20 per person
• Average Price of Dining Out for Dinner in Hawaii: between $14 to $25 per person

Taxes

Hawaii has some of the highest state taxes in the U.S., including income tax, general excise tax, and property tax, which contribute to the overall cost of living.

• Average Price of Taxes Spent a Year by Individual in Unites States: about $14,000 each year 
• Average Price of Taxes Spent a Year by Individual in Hawaii: about $24,687 each year 

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Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.