F
97%
Overall NAT. AVG.
27%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
267%
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 Halawa Hawaii National
Cost of living197163100
Groceries127126100
Health care120119100
Housing367252100
Transportation120121100
Utilities126131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment127127100
Household Items116115100
Education & Childcare131132100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Halawa, HI

Understanding the cost of living in Halawa can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Halawa cost of living index is 197, which is 97% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Halawa may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Halawa falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Halawa 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 267% 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 make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Halawa, you can expect to pay 15.9% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Halawa, it's the same story – grocery costs are 27.1% higher than what people pay across the country.

Is Halawa Affordable?

Is Halawa 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 Halawa, the median home price is 357.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 55.9% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Halawa come in at $137,363, which is 68.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Halawa?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Halawa, the groceries index is 27.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Halawa, the housing index comes in at 267% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Halawa are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Halawa is 21% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Halawa is 97% higher than the national average
  • Halawa housing is 267% 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 Halawa

See all the best places to live around Halawa

Compare Halawa, 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$165,606$13,801$3,864$4,969
      Renters$98,535$8,211$2,299$2,956
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Halawa, 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 Halawa, homeowners have a median income of $165,606. Using that number, a maximum of $3,864 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $98,535, which means there is a maximum of $2,299 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%
      Waipio Acres, HI5,72415453.8%
      Waimalu, HI14,08415555.3%
      Waimanalo Beach, HI4,37616262.5%
      Kalaeloa, HI2,47516463.6%
      Halawa, HI14,24719796.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glenn Dale, MD14,24513938.6%
      Warman, SK14,245n/a 
      Lincoln, IL14,2508713.3%
      King City, CA14,25312726.9%
      Bexley, OH14,25412524.7%
      Halawa, HI14,24719796.7%
      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.