8 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii in 2023

I’m sure you are here because you have made up your mind to shift to Hawaii, a beautiful island on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in the United State of America. And you are searching for the cheapest places to live in Hawaii so that you can enjoy paradise without spending a lot of cash.

You want to sunbathe and soak yourself in the golden hours on the beaches of Hawaii and enjoy delicious food – but let me tell you the truth, all these will cost you a fortune. Hawaii is a dream destination for many people but we can’t deny that this beautiful place with young towns and the Aloha State is expensive.

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A native has to spend on average $743,100 with added taxes every year for their home in Hawaii.

But as the popular quote says “with love and patience, nothing is impossible…”  

You need to be smart to find cheap towns to live in Hawaii. I understand how overwhelmed you are right now. So, here I’m, to help you to make a smart choice. 

While you are searching for the cheapest place in Hawaii to live in, what exactly are you looking for? 

Low coast, but is it the only factor? Do you want to get bankrupted or threatened by an intruder in the middle of the night? Do you? 

Therefore, I’m presenting you a list of affordable places to live in Hawaii which has a low crime rate, low cost of living, low housing value, high employment rate, and a paradise island that soothes your mind and body with its beauty.

How expensive is Hawaii for non-native?

Oahu is a very posh and expensive land in Hawaii. If you are searching for cheap places to live in Oahu then you have to try your luck somewhere, because it is the main business area of Hawaii City and people residing here are because of job availability. 

Once a survey was conducted by The United States Census Bureau and it was found that the minimum per capita income of people residing here is $74,500. Therefore, if you earn similar to this above-mentioned money then you are good to go and stay here happily. 

The 2-bedroom apartments are rented for $2.000 per month, hence if you can afford it you will be most welcome to stay here. 

But, if you know you can’t afford the above lifestyle then it’s better to accept the fact and search for different places. If your income is around $40,000 – $50,000 you can find a few cheap places to live in Hawaii. Your expenses will depend on your personal choices, utilities, and standard of living. 

But, as I said earlier nothing is impossible, therefore, you have to plan your budget very smartly and you will find an affordable place to live in Hawaii.

8 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii

Here, I’m providing you the best places to live in Hawaii for cheap with some other variables too. These places which I’m sharing provide a medium standard of living, well connected with the rest of the world, has a great quality of life with recreational activities and good education and hospital facilities. 

So, what are the cheapest places to live in Hawaii? The list follows:

HILO

• Population: 45,056
• Home Price to Income Ratio: 5.2 (8th most affordable)
• Income To Rent Ratio: 60.6 (45th cheapest)
• Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of cities in the U.S.
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Hawaiian Island: Island of Hawaii (Big Island)

Starting with the best and cheapest island in Hawaii to live in, Hilo. This place seems to be decorated by Mother Earth with her hand; it’s quiet and located on Bing Island, Hawaii.

Cost of Living in Hilo

This place seems to be on the pricey side but the truth is you have to spend an average of $318,000 for a great quality home. The price of the commodities is on average 28 % less than the United State market. You can afford a great quality and standard life in Hilo.  

Hence, you know now that this is one of the cheapest Hawaiian Islands for retirees too. Even if you are planning to start a family here then even that is also a great idea. This place offers great educational institutions like Waiakea High School, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School, and the great University of Hawaii at Hilo. Hundreds of students from all over the world come here to study. 

Sightseeing and Recreation in Hilo

Akaka Falls State Park and Imiloa Astronomy Centre is a tourist’s favorite and famous spot for nature lovers. Being a new neighbor you can spend your evening at the Japanese garden, Liliuokalani Gardens, and also the famous rainbow falls at Wailuku River State Park. Hence click a picture and spend a memorable evening in this garden or at any beach for a sunset view. You can also book a ticket to Hilo Palace Theatre and dine at beautiful cafes.  

KAHULUI

• Population: 32,336
• Home Price to Income Ratio: 7
• Income To Rent Ratio: 51.43
• Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of cities in the U.S.
• Unemployment Rate: 10.7%
• Hawaiian Island: Maui

Kahului is one of the cheap places to live in Maui and it sits on Kahului Bay which is 2 miles east of Wailuku. This place is also called “Dream City” by the Maui Plantation workers.

Cost of Living in Kahului

It is one of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii and you can easily afford to stay here. The average home value in Kahului is $485,000 and if your average income is $62,038 then you are qualified for a healthy life in Kahului. It has a strong economy, economic growth, and economic development, a healthy environment, comfortable summer, and other facilities too. 

The economy runs mostly on tourism and it has good schools and hospitals for emergency purposes. It has great shopping destinations like the Queen Ka’ahumanu Centre, Maui Arts & Cultural Centre.

Sightseeing and Recreation in Kahului

You can plan an outing and experience a great eventful night here. If you are a sports lover then visit Kanaha Beach Park and perform outdoor activities like windsurfers and kiteboarders.  

For plant lovers, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit and look around the native Hawaiian plants. You can get all your home essentials from Maui Mall, Lahaina Cannery Mall, and a lot more stores beside the road. Kahului is famous for the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, Kanaha Beach County Park, Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, and Maui Arts and Cultural Centre. Therefore, this is one of the affordable places to live in Hawaii. 

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KAPA’A

• Population: 10,580
• Home Price To Income Ratio: 6.0 
• Income To Rent Ratio: 65.5
• Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of cities in the U.S.
• Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
• Hawaiian Island: Kauai

Do you dream of the beautiful yard in front of the house? Then Kapa’a is the best place to choose as these are the cheapest places in Hawaii to live in. It is on the east-central coast of Kauai island. 

Cost of Living in Kapa’a

Agree or not you have to choose one of the expensive places but with the smart budget plan, you can afford this luxury place. This place attracts tourists all over the world for a view of Mount Waialeale, jungle valleys, and Kuilau Ridge Trails. You need to earn on average $ 80,225 to afford this place. 

Kapa’a is the sixth cheapest place to live in Hawaii. It has a safe environment for your family and provides good quality education to your child. Kapa’a High School, Kapa’a Middle School, and St. Catherine School is a great school which offers extracurricular activities for students to perform. You can shop your daily items from Old Kapa’a Town or go for small shopping at roadside malls.

You can even dine out with your friends in the cozy and beautiful restaurants of Kapa’a. Even if you are searching for an affordable honeymoon destination in the USA, this golden beach is all welcoming and will surely give you great memories to cherish. 

Sightseeing and Attractions in Kapa’a

This safest place to live in Hawaii has to offer a lot from kite surfing, to snorkeling and walking at the beach park. There is a great book store at Old Kapa’a Town and a beautiful home décor shop at Shipwrecked Kaui.

This affordable place to live in Hawaii offers more than 50 hiking trails, so plan a hiking journey at Hoopii Falls and witness the best waterfalls. You can also enjoy a warm dinner at Kountry Kitchen which is famous for Polynesian Omelette or Bacon Cheddar Waffle with a Lavender Latte. 

Read Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Places To Live in Florida

WAIMEA CDP

• Population: 11,908
• Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
• Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.9 (3rd most affordable)
• Income to Rent Ratio: 58.0 (37th cheapest)
• Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of cities in the U.S.
• Unemployment Rate: 1.8%

Waimea CDP is a dream destination for many and one of the most affordable places to retire in Hawaii. This place is located on the north of Hawai’i Island. This place is hosted by a large number of farmers and therefore, you have a lot of variety of natural vegetation.

Cost of Living in Waimea CDP

This cheap Hawaii city welcomes people who earn an average of $91,074. The medium quality house value is $378,300. Waimea is the most ideal place for all who want to enjoy rural village ecology and enjoy complete peace.

Kamuela is also known as Waimea, this name is so famous among Hawaii people because it is a prime place for agriculture and ranching. This place is the perfect paradise for people who want to start sustainable and hobby farming.

Sightseeing and Attractions in Waimea CDP

It has small hills with clean nights and beautiful crystal clear skies. Plan a trip to Waipi’o Valley where you can find the white sand beach. This beautiful Kohala and Kona coast has so much beauty and can never dream off. 

If you are a resident then don’t forget to go stargazing. You can plan a trip to Onizula center and check the best stargazing program. 

NANAKULI

• Population: 10,580
• Rank Last Year: 5 (Down 1)
• Home Price to Income Ratio: 6.0 (2most affordable)
• Income to Rent Ratio: 65.5 (29th cheapest)
• Crime Rate: Violent crime rate and property crime rate both are below the national average
• Unemployment Rate: 11.87 %
• Hawaiian Island: O’ahu

If you are searching to stay in a posh area at a low price then Nanakuli is the cheapest place to live in Hawaii. It is in Waiʻanae District on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It is one of the greatest places to travel alone in the US.

Cost of Living in Nanakuli

This cheapest place to live in Hawaii is great for people who earn on average $75,031. The medium average value of this place is $370,600. This seems pretty high but Oahu is the business hub and the lifestyle here is pretty high. But compared to that it is an affordable place to retire in Hawaii and stay till your last breath.

Sightseeing and Attractions in Nanakuli

The pristine water of the Pacific Ocean is so smooth and beautiful. You can enjoy the ecology and enjoy Nanakuli Beach Park or head inland to the Nanakuli Forest Preserve. These natural wonders are cheap and welcome all the tourists all over the world. 

3 Other Most Inexpensive Places to Live in Hawaii:

WAIANAE

Another most affordable living in Hawaii is Wainaeon dry Oahu. The average home value here is $322,200. Compared to Waikiki beaches this is a less crowded place to live in Hawaii. 

KAILUA

Still, if you don’t know where to get cheap apartments in Hawaii, then Kailua is the best place. Kailua Beach Park and Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve are great attractions for tourists. The average home value here is $ 862,100. 

EWA BEACH

The most affordable places to live in Hawaii with a beautiful beach and clean sand are Ewa beach. With a median income of $100,151, you can get a great deal and a great apartment to stay in. 

Hence, let’s get ready for “where are the cheapest places to live in Hawaii?” If you want to crack a great deal then contact Clever, a free service that can help you to get the best realtors in Hawaii. 

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