12 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii (2024)
- Pahoa
- Pahala
- Kurtistown
- Kaunakakai
- Keaau
- Hilo
- Hawaiian Paradise Park
- Waimalu
- Waianae
- Honolulu
- Kapolei
- Kahuku
1. Pahoa
The cheapest place to live in Hawaii is Pahoa. Located on the Big Island, this city is known for its eclectic style and alternative attitude. The streets of this town are lined with local shops and restaurants, and its main attraction is the raised wooden sidewalk in the middle of downtown. Considered the Big Island’s “hippie capital,” this area attracts those who possess a more bohemian spirit and is perfect for anyone interested in rural living. Home prices in this city average at about $275,000, making it the premier choice for cost-effective Hawaiian living.
2. Pahala
The second-cheapest place to live in Hawaii is Pahala. Like Pahoa, this city is also located on the Big Island and sits on a plateau about 900 feet above sea level. It is home to some of the most beautiful ocean and mountain views on the entire island, as well as several local shops and restaurants. Though Pahala was once a bustling sugar-cane plantation, it has since become an agricultural epicenter for macadamia nuts and coffee beans. Homes in this area cost an average of $278,000, making Pahala an affordable part of the Hawaiian coast.
3. Kurtistown
Kurtistown is another affordable place to live on the Big Island. This area is known for its agricultural produce and is one of the top producers of bananas in all of Hawaii. The city itself is small and possesses a more rural atmosphere. Even so, it is located only minutes from some of the island’s best attractions, such as the Kilauea Caves of Fire. With an average home price of about $405k, Kurtistown is an affordable location for retirees and anyone interested in a slow-paced lifestyle.
4. Kaunakakai
Kaunakakai is the central city on Moloka’i and is one of the cheapest places to live in all of Hawaii. This city is home to both the island’s largest port and longest pier, as well as a bustling town center. Residents of downtown Kaunakakai can enjoy an abundance of local amenities, which include local boutiques, eateries, cafes, and museums. Additionally, Halawa Bay Beach is only a short distance away, giving locals access to waterfront adventures and seaside bars. Home prices in this area average at about $414,000, keeping Kaunakakai an affordable destination.
5. Keaau
Sitting on about 60,000 acres of land is Keaau, another one of Hawaii’s cheapest cities. Formerly known as Ola’a, Keaau is located on the western side of the Big Island and is an ideal spot for those commuting into Hilo. The city itself is surrounded by an Ohio forest and is home to both black-sand beaches and botanical gardens. Other local attractions here include the Pacific Floral Exchange and the Hi’iaka Healing Herb Garden. Home prices in this area average at about $441,000, making it a beautiful addition to the island’s cheapest cities.
6. Hilo
While Hilo was previously a bustling farming and fishing community, it is now one of the most affordable places to live in Hawaii. This city sits close to the Big Island’s western shore and is close to several rainforests, waterfalls, and the Volcanoes National Park. While Hilo tends to see fewer tourists than other parts of the Big Island, this makes it the ideal location for those who want a less crowded island experience. Even so, the city’s downtown area is still home to several museums, art galleries, shops, and eateries, which gives residents plenty of local entertainment. Home values in this area typically fall close to $485,000, keeping it a cheap Hawaiian gem.
7. Hawaiian Paradise Park
Hawaiian Paradise Park is another one of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii. The census-designated place is located in the district of Puna on the island of Hawaii and is home to just under 15,000 residents. It’s a breathtaking subdivision near Hilo with over 8,800 lots and miles of public shoreline.
Hawaiian Paradise Park is reasonably priced by Hawaii’s standards. The cost of living is 20% lower than the rest of the state, and the average family would need to earn $68,400 to afford to live there comfortably. The median listing price of a home is around $500,000.
8. Waimalu
Waimalu is also an affordable place to live in Hawaii. It’s a census-designated place on the island of Oahu, located about 10 miles outside of Honolulu. It has a population of 13,817 according to the 2020 census. Waimalu is a great place to live for growing families, with a low crime rate, freeway access, and an abundance of parks and playgrounds.
It’s also one of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii. Although higher than the national average, the cost of living in Waimalu is about 3.5% lower than the rest of the state. The median listing price for a home is around $505,000.
9. Waianae
Waianae is the cheapest place to live in Oahu. This small town is located on the island’s eastern coast and is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and authentic local cuisine. Local attractions here include the Waianae Mountain Range, Kahumana Organic Farms & Cafe, and Pokai Bay Beach Park. Despite these fun local amenities, Waianae is often overlooked by tourists. This helps keep the city’s local home values affordable, with an average sale price of about $573,000. Overall, Waianae is the best area in Oahu for affordable living.
10. Honolulu
Honolulu is another one of Hawaii’s cheapest cities. Located along Oahu’s southern coast, this city is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations. Its proximity to attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Waimea Waterfall, and Diamond Head tends to draw a crowd. Additionally, the city is home to a tropical climate and lush natural scenery, making it a beautiful addition to the island’s natural beauty. With home values averaging $776,000, Honolulu is one of the best areas to find high-end island living on a budget.
11. Kapolei
Kapolei is another cheap place to live in Hawaii. Kapolei is a planned community in Honolulu County on the island of Oahu that is home to 21,411 residents. Constructed atop old pineapple and sugarcane plantations, Kapolei is a beautiful small town known for its gorgeous lagoons and upscale hotels.
It’s an excellent place to enjoy the luxury lifestyle Hawaii offers on a more modest budget. The cost of living in Kapolei is also about 3.5% below the national average, and the average home price is around $845,000.
12. Kahuku
Kahuku is a small island located along Oahu’s northern tip and is another one of the cheapest places to live in Hawaii. It sits directly between Laie and Turtle Bay and is perfect for those who want to be close to everything Oahu has to offer. Kahuku provides its residents with an abundance of local family-friendly activities, which include beaches, hiking trails, fishing waters, art galleries, and more. Home prices in this area average at about $852,000, making it an affordable area for secluded island life.