Cost of Living in East Honolulu, HI

Population 50,961 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

330
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in East Honolulu sits 284% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $158,398 (112% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Located 9 miles east of Urban Honolulu, East Honolulu falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 384
Rent 247

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in East Honolulu

The median home value in East Honolulu is $1,172,300 — 284% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,249/month, 147% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $158,398/year is 112% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Hawaii's top state income tax rate is 11.0% and the combined sales tax is 4.4%. Overall, East Honolulu has a cost of living index of 330 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 230% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,172,300
284% above avg
Median Rent
$3,249/mo
147% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.3%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,597
1 BR
$1,625
2 BR
$2,135
3 BR
$2,810
4 BR
$3,324
Owner-occupied 83.5%
Renter-occupied 16.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,249
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,863/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.7 min
25% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
64.2%
Carpooled
13.9%
Public transit
1.8%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
16.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 11.0%
Total Sales Tax 4.4%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.3%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$158,398
112% above avg
Per Capita Income
$71,947
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
60.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.8%
Graduate degree 26.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.3
Male median age 48
Female median age 50.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
92.3%
Good air days/yr
117
Max AQI recorded
187
PM2.5 days
174
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Honolulu, HI?

East Honolulu has a cost index of 330 (100 = national average). It is 230% above the national average.

What is average rent in East Honolulu, HI?

The median gross rent in East Honolulu is $3,249 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Honolulu?

The median home value in East Honolulu is $1,172,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Honolulu?

The median household income in East Honolulu is $158,398 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Honolulu, HI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Honolulu is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.

Is East Honolulu, HI affordable?

East Honolulu is above average in cost of living, with an index of 330 — about 230% higher than the national average.