
Do you want to make your dream of living in Hawai’i come true? Are the waves of Oahu, Maui, Kauai or the Big Island calling your name? Is the Aina drawing you to her? Then contact my team to make your dream your reality!
Property Taxes when claimed as homestead in the State of Hawai’i are more affordable than most warm-weather mainland states without ANY winter! Here’s how the islands rank in housing affordability.
The four main Hawaiian islands, ranked from most expensive to least expensive based on cost of living and housing prices in 2025, are:
- Oahu
- Why: As the economic hub with Honolulu, Oahu has the highest cost of living. The average home value is around $773,168, with some areas like Waikiki and Manoa being pricier. Housing costs are 214% above the national average, and the overall cost of living is 84% higher than the national average.
- Details: High demand due to job opportunities, urban amenities, and tourism drives up costs. Groceries and utilities are also expensive, though goods may be slightly cheaper than on outer islands due to direct shipping.
- Maui
- Why: Known for luxurious resorts and tourism, Maui has an average home value of about $1.1 million, up 2.7% from last year. The cost of living is 60% above the national average, with high costs for goods and services due to its popularity.
- Details: Areas like Kahului offer slightly more affordable options, but tourist-driven demand keeps prices elevated.
- Kauai
- Why: The “Garden Isle” has an average home price of approximately $968,015. Its remote location increases costs for groceries and essentials, making the cost of living high, though slightly less than Oahu and Maui.
- Details: Kauai’s laid-back lifestyle and limited urban development contribute to high housing costs, but areas like Kapa’a and Waimea are relatively more affordable.
- Big Island (Hawai’i)
- Why: The Big Island is the cheapest, with an average home price just under $950,000 and more affordable areas like Hilo and Puna with median listings around $423,000. Lower population density and more available land reduce costs.
- Details: Rural living options and fewer job opportunities make it less expensive, though resort areas like Kona are pricier. Costs in Hilo are 28% lower than the state average.

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