F
107%
Overall NAT. AVG.
27%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
303%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Aiea Hawaii National
Cost of living207163100
Groceries127126100
Health care120119100
Housing403252100
Transportation120121100
Utilities126131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment127127100
Household Items116115100
Education & Childcare131132100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Aiea, HI

The cost of living in Aiea affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Aiea is 207, which is 107% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Aiea may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Aiea falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Aiea cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 303% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Aiea, household essentials are 15.9% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Aiea, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 27.1% higher than the national average.

Is Aiea Affordable?

Is Aiea an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Aiea, the median home price is 377.1% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 130.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Aiea come in at $168,558, which is 107.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Aiea?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Aiea, the transportation index is 19.5% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Aiea, the groceries index is 27.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Aiea shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Aiea is 28% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Aiea is 107% higher than the national average
  • Aiea housing is 303% higher than the national average
  • Hawaii general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Hawaii state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Aiea

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Compare Aiea, HI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$188,233$15,686$4,392$5,648
      Renters$138,468$11,539$3,231$4,154
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Aiea, HI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Aiea, homeowners have a median income of $188,233. Using that number, a maximum of $4,392 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $138,468, which means there is a maximum of $3,231 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Hawaii Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Hawaii 4% 4.712%

      Hawaii Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Hawaii 1.4% 11%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI14,06214242.2%
      Nanakuli, HI11,83014545.1%
      Waipio Acres, HI5,72415453.8%
      Waimalu, HI14,08415555.3%
      Waimanalo Beach, HI4,37616262.5%
      Aiea, HI10,094207107.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Burlington, NJ10,094991.5%
      Star, ID10,09311616.5%
      Felida, WA10,10015049.8%
      Woodbury, NJ10,0861066.2%
      Eunice, LA10,1068713.5%
      Aiea, HI10,094207107.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.