Cost of Living in Lihue, HI
Population 7,847 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$844,000 is the going rate for a typical Lihue home, 177% over the national median. Rents of $1,989/month track the same premium. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 105 miles northwest of Urban Honolulu, Lihue is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Urban Honolulu's $834,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lihue
The median home value in Lihue is $843,900 — 177% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,989/month, 51% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,420/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 81.6°F and lows of 71.0°F. Overall, Lihue has a cost of living index of 227 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 127% more expensive.
Lihue has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 79 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 82 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 84 | 81 | 79 |
| Low °F | 66 | 66 | 67 | 70 | 71 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 71 | 69 |
| Precip" | 2.78 | 3.63 | 5.61 | 2.03 | 2.18 | 1.79 | 1.75 | 2.33 | 2.18 | 3.27 | 4.03 | 4.64 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lihue, HI?
Lihue has a cost index of 227 (100 = national average). It is 127% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lihue, HI?
The median gross rent in Lihue is $1,989 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lihue?
The median home value in Lihue is $843,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lihue?
The median household income in Lihue is $77,420 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lihue, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lihue is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Lihue, HI affordable?
Lihue is above average in cost of living, with an index of 227 — about 127% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lihue?
Lihue has average high temperatures of 81.6°F and average lows of 71.0°F. Annual precipitation is 36.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lihue at a Glance
- Population
- 7,847
- Median Income
- $77,420
- Home Value
- $843,900
- Median Rent
- $1,989/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 81.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
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Hawaii Rankings
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