Guide: Cheapest Place to live in Hawaii?

Almost everything in Hawaii costs 30% more than they do on the mainland. A 2019 study by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center showed that Hawaii’s cost of living was 191.8, which was the highest in the nation. A study by Payscale also found that Hawaii’s cost of living is 88% higher compared to the national average. 

When you move to Hawaii, you can expect to pay considerably high for house rent and commodities, utilities such as water, gas, electricity, sewage, and garbage. However, despite having a costly living in Hawaii, people still migrate and aspire to live in Hawaii.

Despite Hawaii's high cost of living, many people still strive to settle and live in Hawaii. If you are one of those aspiring to migrate to Hawaii, it dramatically helps to research the most affordable places in Hawaii. 

While there are places with costly lifestyles, there is also the cheapest place to live in Hawaii. You will eventually find the perfect place to live in Hawaii without living below the poverty line by thoroughly planning and researching well. The following paragraphs will provide you with many cheap options.

Also Read:  How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii on a Budget

The following places are the top 10 most affordable places in Hawaii that will provide you with a decent life while enjoying this paradise.

1. Hilo
2. Waihee-Waiehu
3. Waimea CDP (Hawaii County)
4. Waianae
5. Ewa Beach
6. Kapaa
7. Nanakuli
8. Ewa Gentry
9. West Loch Estate
10. Kailua CDP (Hawaii Country
    

Located on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii, Hilo is the where is cheapest place to live in Hawaii. Hilo is a vibrant town that is renowned for its beautiful blooming gardens, lush rainforests, and rainbow waterfalls. 

Although laidback, it is the largest city on the island. This charming, tropical island is the capital of Big Island and is known as the rainy side of Hawaii. Other tourists and travelers call this place the center of natural wonders. Many tourists make Hilo their home during their travel, especially when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is a drive away from Hilo.

Other than Hilo, here are other areas that are equally stunning but offer affordable lifestyles. They include.

• Waihee-Waiehu is located on the east coast of the Western half of Maui. It boasts of its strong economy and recent job growth.
• Waimea CDP (Hawaii County)- This place has the most prominent privately-owned cattle ranch in the United States. Hence, Rodeo is its main tourist attraction. 
• Waianae. This island offers a rich marine life with breathtaking beaches. Aside from marine life, its soil is also great for farming. It has the largest organic farm on the island of Oahu.
• Ewa Beach- The Ewa beach was once known for its plantation and Hawaiian fishpond. Today, Ewa has developed into a bustling community with new infrastructure developments.

The following top choices, which are a bit higher than the previous list, are as follows.

• Kapaa Town is known for its unique local shopping on Kauai. Kapaa thrives in its tourist attraction and activities; thus, its income mostly comes from tourism.
• Nanakuli is the first town if you are going to Oahu's leeward coast. Nothing is much known about this place except for its lovely beach called Nanakuli Beach Park.
• Ewa Gentry is a housing development located in the Ewa district. This place is a quickly growing community with plenty of residences for sale. Its expansion includes shopping centers, entertainment, and restaurants.
• West Loch Estate has a strong homeowners association that helps West Loch Estate thrive in real estate developments.
• Kailua CDP (Hawaii Country) is known for its Kona Coffee. It is a variety of Arabica coffee planted and harvested in the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the Kona Districts. Kailua's oceanfront is given the Hawaii Scenic Byway title called the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast.
  

Based on Craig's list, Oahu has the cheapest apartment rental rates. A room for rent ranges from $500 to $600. A fully furnished room costs $600, while a 1000 square feet apartment with three bedrooms and two baths costs $650. 

Whether you are only vacationing or migrating, Hawaii indeed is a dream come true! If you are a tourist with a limited budget, do not be disheartened because you can still visit Hawaii even on a tight budget. 

If Maui is too expensive for you, then you may want to consider affordable places that will give you the same feel and vibe that Maui gives. Because of the high population, plenty of activities, hotels, and attractions, there is no doubt that Oahu is the most affordable Hawaiian island to visit. 

Oahu is known as the heart of Hawaii and is sometimes called the "Gathering Place." This island offers visitors various choices, from a bustling city escapade to a laidback surf town adventure. Activities to do here include snorkeling, ziplining, hiking, going to the beach, surfing, and many more.

Several travel guides identify Oahu as being the cheapest place to vacation. Oahu is the most populated island located within Honolulu country and the state capital. It is called the "gathering place" because it is home to a diverse population. 

Oahu also houses the largest population in Hawaii and has the best nightlife in Hawaii. The best and cheapest places to visit in Oahu include Kakaako, Kaimuki, Kapahulu, and Chinatown. On average, you can spend about $343 on a rental car, $836 on an airline, and $ 1,446 on hotels when you stay in Oahu for a week. 

There are many things to do in Oahu, such as shopping in the world-class shopping destinations- Waikiki and Ala Moana; surfing at the famous Oahu's North Shore; and cultural visit to Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace.

If you intend to stay or island-hop Hawaii for a while, then you want to find the cheapest places to visit. Other than Oahu, other affordable places include Hilo, Kailua, Kaunakakai, Waianae, and Waimea.

All these places have lower living costs compared to the Hawaiian average. They are affordable in terms of housing, utility, and general livability cost and won’t strain your budget that much when you visit.

Relocating is one of the most crucial decisions you can ever make in your lifetime, especially if you are moving with your family. Now that you know the cheapest places in Hawaii to visit, you may begin to plan your most anticipated vacation and even migration. 

All you need to do is find the perfect home that would complement your lifestyle. And if in case you are considering transporting your vehicle to this island, a reliable car shipping company can greatly help make your relocation dream come true.