Hawaii’s median home price is now $950,000. However, most affordable places to live in Hawaii exist. These areas offer housing costs that are 40-50% less than the statewide average.
For instance, the Big Island’s Pahoa has homes priced at $289,462. Moreover, some Honolulu neighborhoods provide city living at a cost similar to the U.S. average. Therefore, smart buyers can find their paradise without overspending.
After all, beautiful rainbow waterfalls, volcanic views, and pristine beaches are still accessible. You simply need to choose strategically affordable Hawaiian cities. This guide reveals the 2025 top 7 most affordable places to live in Hawaii.
Key Takeaways
- Pahoa leads as Hawaii’s most affordable housing market, with median home prices at $289,462 and property taxes averaging just $584 annually.
- Hilo offers the state’s lowest rent at $961-$1,778 monthly, representing savings of 30-40% below Honolulu rates.
- Hawaii County increased housing supply by 3% in 2024, helping reduce rent inflation in communities like Keaau, Pahoa, and Hilo.
- Waianae delivers authentic Hawaiian culture with ultra-low unemployment at 1.8% and median home prices $382,900-$579,844.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in Hawaii
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Pahoa | $289,462 | $2,000 | -14% | Artists, remote workers, budget buyers |
| Hilo | $298,500 | $961 | -13% | Families, university affiliates |
| Waianae | $382,900 | $1,528 | -9% | Hawaiian culture seekers, surfers |
| Hana | $459,100 | $941 | -7% | Remote workers, privacy seekers |
| Wailuku | $463,500 | $1,069 | -8% | Arts lovers, young professionals |
| Kapaa | $479,200 | $1,293 | -7% | Families, retirees |
| Kahului | $490,900 | $1,179 | -6% | Working families, job seekers |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Hawaii
1. Pāhoa
Median Home Price: $289,462
Median Rent: $2,000
Cost of Living: 14% below US average
Best For: Artists, remote workers, retirees seeking authentic Hawaii, environmental enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers wanting acreage
Pāhoa is a unique, artsy town located on the Big Island’s eastern Puna coast. The city is full of creative energy, with street musicians playing music and local galleries showing art.
Pāhoa High & Intermediate School, helps families with personalized attention for students. The town famously survived a lava flow in 2014 that stopped just a few yards from its historic Main Street buildings.
The average annual property tax is only $584, which is the lowest in Hawaii. However, there are trade offs. Residents should be aware that shopping and healthcare options are limited. Despite this, Pahoa remains one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii.
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2. Hilo
Median Home Price: $298,500-$513,531
Median Rent: $961-$1,778
Cost of Living: 12-15% below US average
Best For: Families seeking quality schools, retirees wanting mainland-like amenities at Hawaii prices, university students and faculty, nature lovers
Hilo is often called the “City of Rainbows” because beautiful rainbows arch across the sky. The average annual property tax is $1,261 here.
In addition, Waiakea High School and Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary are state’s best-rated schools. The historic downtown features restored buildings from the 1920s. Now, they hold galleries and cafes near the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Moreover, the diverse population creates a vibrant, multicultural city. Thus, even though Hilo gets over 130 inches of rain yearly, it still enjoys more than 200 sunny days.
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3. Waiʻanae
Median Home Price: $382,900-$579,844
Median Rent: $1,528-$2,170
Cost of Living: 8-10% below US average
Best For: Native Hawaiians valuing cultural connections, surfers and ocean enthusiasts, military families from Schofield Barracks, budget-conscious beachfront seekers
Mountains meet pristine beaches in Waiʻanae where Hawaiian culture is still strong. Moreover, families preserve traditions of net fishing and ocean navigation. The unemployment rate is at 1.8%, Hawaii’s lowest.
Furthermore, Waiʻanae High School and Elementary teach Hawaiian culture within community-focused programs. Makaha Beach draws surfers from around the world.
The city is a 40-minute commute to Honolulu. However, higher property crime rates are a factor to note. Therefore, it is important to weigh these aspects before deciding to move.
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4. Hāna
Median Home Price: $459,100
Median Rent: $941
Cost of Living: 5-8% below US average
Best For: Remote workers with flexible schedules, retirees seeking ultimate seclusion, families wanting close community bonds, artists seeking inspiration
Ultimate isolation defines Maui’s most remote town, where just over 1,000 residents embrace “Hana time”. In addition, the legendary 52-mile Road to Hāna winds through more than 600 curves and over 50 one-lane bridges to reach this rainforest paradise. Hāna High and Elementary School share a campus, allowing personalized attention with small class sizes.
Celebrities, including Oprah, own homes here, seeking privacy that no traffic lights or chain stores interrupt. Moreover, crime statistics rate Hana safer than 100% of Hawaii cities in 2024-2025.
However, extreme isolation means 2–3 hour drives on winding roads for medical care or major shopping. Therefore, those looking for budget-friendly Hawaii cities should consider these challenges carefully.
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5. Wailuku
Median Home Price: $463,500
Median Rent: $1,069
Cost of Living: 7-10% below US average
Best For: Arts enthusiasts and creatives, families wanting central Maui location, young professionals working in Kahului, culture lovers, foodies
Maui’s county seat has grown from a resort town into a lively arts district. Galleries now fill restored plantation-era buildings, giving the area a creative charm. Moreover, the historic ʻIao Theater, built in 1928, anchors Market Street’s classic design. Maui High School and Wailuku Elementary also offer arts programs with strong academic support.
Every month, First Friday events turn downtown into a cheerful street festival that celebrates local artists and craftspeople. In addition, cultural shows and live music bring residents together. Crime data rates Wailuku safer than all other Hawaii cities, showing its strong sense of community.
However, afternoon winds often move through town, and beaches sit only a short drive away. Therefore, those seeking affordable beach towns in Hawaii can enjoy Wailuku’s blend of safety, culture, and convenience.
👉Wailuku blends small-town charm with affordability. So start exploring Wailuku homes for sale today!
6. Kapaa
Median Home Price: $479,200
Median Rent: $1,293
Cost of Living: 6-9% below US average
Best For: Families seeking safe neighborhoods and quality schools, retirees wanting modest homes with yards, outdoor enthusiasts, slow-paced lifestyle seekers
Highlights: Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal bike path, Sleeping Giant Trail, Wailua Falls, Lydgate Beach Park protected swimming areas
Kauai’s largest town reflects the true aloha spirit. Spacious yards and safe neighborhoods attract families who value quality education and a relaxed pace of life.
Moreover, old plantation charm blends with modern comforts along the Coconut Coast, offering breathtaking sunrise views. Kapaa High, Middle, and Elementary Schools also show strong community involvement and solid academic results.
The town endured the devastation of Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Since then, it has built a reputation for sustainable living initiatives recognized across Hawaii. In addition, safety ratings place Kapaa safer than every other city in the state for 2024–2025.
However, the job market remains smaller compared to Oahu. Therefore, those considering Kapaa among affordable Hawaii cities should prepare for limited employment options and potential hurricane risks.
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7. Kahului
Median Home Price: $490,900
Median Rent: $1,179
Cost of Living: 5-8% below US average
Best For: Working families prioritizing employment opportunities, budget-conscious buyers, military families, young professionals, water sports enthusiasts
Maui’s commercial hub and main port drive the island’s economy. Here, practicality meets paradise as the town blends business activity with island life. Maui High School and Kahului Elementary also provide strong public education with trade and technical programs.
Employment centers around Kahului’s busy commercial district, which supports much of Maui County’s economy. Expanded housing programs earned recognition in UHERO’s 2024 report for improving affordability.
However, the industrial zones offer little scenic appeal, and traffic near the airport worsens during peak tourist seasons. Therefore, those seeking affordable places in Hawaii should weigh these drawbacks against the area’s job and housing advantages.
👉Kahului offers urban convenience and affordable homes. So begin your Kahului homes for sale search today!
How We Ranked Hawaii’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
This comprehensive analysis weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (40%)
- Overall Cost of Living (20%)
- Economic Opportunity (15%)
- Quality Of Life Indicators (15%)
- Housing Market Stability (10%)
Data sources include, University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) Hawaii Housing Factbook 2025. As well as, RentCafe and Zillow Home Value Index 2024-2025, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent data.
Along with, Hawaii Association of Realtors market reports, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024, Bureau of Labor Statistics regional employment data.
Finally, Hawaii State Department of Education school performance reports, county law enforcement crime statistics, and Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) economic indicators.
What Drives Affordability in Hawaii?
Hawaii County’s 3% housing supply increase in 2024 helped slow rent inflation on the Big Island. Towns like Hilo benefited directly.
Meanwhile, Maui and Kauai saw slight declines in housing over five years. Vacation rental conversions and Lahaina’s 2023 wildfire, which destroyed over 1,500 homes, reduced available inventory.
Moreover, Hawaii’s median single-family home price reached $950,000. Fewer than 25% of households earned enough to afford a mortgage in 2024.
Property insurance costs are rising statewide. Changes in the U.S. home insurance market have also increased homeowners’ association fees.
Energy costs vary by location. For example, Oahu averages $0.43 per kWh, while the Big Island pays around $0.48 per kWh.
Transportation costs depend on geography. However, rural towns such as Hana and Pahoa require vehicle ownership. Therefore, these differences heavily influence the most affordable places to live in Hawaii.
Smart Tips for Hawaii Living
- Target Big Island communities where Hawaii County’s 3% housing supply increase helps moderate rental inflation. In contrast, Maui and Kauai remain supply-constrained.
- Consider west Oahu’s Waianae for authentic Hawaiian culture and beachfront access. Moreover, it stays within commuting distance to Honolulu employment centers.
- Research school districts carefully. For example, Waiakea High School in Hilo and Kapaa’s elementary schools provide top-rated education, which supports family relocation.
- Calculate total housing costs, including property taxes. In addition, energy expenses vary between $0.43–$0.48 per kWh across islands.
- Evaluate commute tradeoffs. Rural affordability in Hana requires longer travel times for shopping and healthcare, whereas urban areas like Kahului offer convenience.
- Factor hurricane preparedness and volcanic activity awareness into budgets. Therefore, adequate property insurance is essential for Kauai coastal areas and Big Island lava zones
Should You Move to Hawaii?
Strategic location choices let families enjoy paradise without the high housing costs seen in most Hawaiian markets. For example, Pahoa’s median home price is $289,462, Hilo’s rents average $961 per month, and Waianae’s unemployment sits at just 1.8%.
Most affordable places to live in Hawaii offers unique advantages. Wailuku attracts with its arts scene, while Kapaa draws families with top safety ratings. Moreover, Hawaii County’s expanding housing supply gives hope, as a 3% increase in 2024 helped moderate rent growth on the Big Island.
The 7 most affordable places to live in Hawaii provide authentic island experiences. In addition, they cater to those seeking surfing adventures, cultural immersion, or career opportunities among the most affordable states.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable place to live in Hawaii?
Haawaii's most affordable city is Pāhoa with median home prices at $289,462 and the state's lowest property taxes at $584 annually.
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Hawaii?
The top 7 most affordable Hawaii cities are Pahoa, Hilo, Waianae, Hana, Wailuku, Kapaa, Kahului.
Which Hawaii cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Hilo and Kapaa rank best for budget-conscious families seeking quality schools and safe neighborhoods. Hilo offers rents at $961-$1,778 with University of Hawaii campus and top-rated schools. Kapaa provides safety ratings exceeding 100% of Hawaii cities with family-oriented community culture
Are there affordable beach towns in Hawaii?
Yes, Waianae on west Oahu delivers the most affordable beachfront access with median homes at $382,900-$579,844 and costs 8-10% below US averages.
What makes Hawaii one of the most affordable states?
Hawaii actually ranks among America's least affordable states overall, but strategic communities offer livable costs. Hawaii County increased housing supply by 3% in 2024, helping reduce rent inflation in Big Island markets. The 7 most affordable Hawaii places provide housing costs 4-14% below US averages through lower property taxes, reduced rental rates, and strategic location choices.
