Is tax cheaper in Hawaii?

Whether tax is "cheaper" in Hawaii depends heavily on which type of tax you are considering, as its system is a mix of very low and very high rates compared to the national average. Hawaii generally has low sales and property taxes, but high income taxes.

Are taxes expensive in Hawaii?

Overview of Hawaii Taxes

Hawaii has a progressive income tax and below average property taxes, but the highest home values in the nation. High earners will pay one of the highest marginal income tax rates in the country, but homeowners also pay the lowest effective property tax rate in the country.

How much is 1 gallon of milk in Hawaii?

A gallon of milk in Hawaii typically costs between $6.50 and $9.00, significantly more than the mainland U.S., with prices varying slightly by island (Honolulu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai) and store, often around $7.99 or higher due to high shipping costs for feed and the island's isolation.
 

Can I live in Hawaii on $3,000 a month?

Living in Hawaii on $3,000 a month is extremely challenging and requires significant sacrifice, like having roommates and being very frugal, as basic expenses (especially housing, which averages $1,000-$2,000+ for small places) often exceed that budget, particularly in Honolulu; however, a super-minimalist lifestyle on less expensive islands like parts of the Big Island or with house-sitting/alternative living might make it barely possible but definitely tight. 

Is sales tax less in Hawaii?

What is Hawaii's sales tax rate? Hawaii does not have a sales tax; instead, we have the GET, which is assessed on all business activities. The tax rate is 0.15% for Insurance Commission, 0.5% for Wholesaling, Manufacturing, Producing, Wholesale Services, and Use Tax on Imports For Resale, and 4% for all others.

Harsh Reality of Living in Hawaii No One Tells You

Is shopping in Hawaii tax free?

Hawaii doesn't have a traditional state sales tax but charges a General Excise Tax (GET) on businesses, which they pass to consumers (around 4% + local surtax, up to 4.71%), but you can find duty-free shopping at airports (DFS stores in HNL, OGG) for significant savings on luxury goods, and certain exemptions exist for wholesalers or items shipped out of state.
 

How to avoid sales tax in Hawaii?

Tax-exempt goods

Some goods are exempt from GET under Hawaii law. Examples include purchases made with food stamps, prescription drugs, and medical supplies.

Is $30 an hour good in Hawaii?

Hawaii ranks number 50 out of 50 states nationwide for 30 An Hour salaries.

What is the cheapest island to live on in Hawaii?

The Big Island (Hawaii Island), particularly areas like Hilo, is generally considered the cheapest island to live on in Hawaii, offering lower property costs than Oahu, while still providing a good quality of life with diverse climates and smaller-town vibes, though "cheap" in Hawaii is still relative to the mainland. You can find more affordable housing in places like the Ka'u district, even with some lava zone risks, making homeownership more attainable. 

How much is a 12 pack of coke in Hawaii?

A 12-pack of Coke in Hawaii generally costs around $9 to $12, with prices varying by store and sales, but expect it to be pricier than the mainland due to higher import/living costs, potentially hitting $10-$11 or more at regular supermarkets like Foodland or Don Quijote. 

What jobs are in high demand in Hawaii?

Hawaii needs workers in Healthcare (nurses, techs, caregivers), Skilled Trades (electricians, HVAC, automotive), Tech (IT support, project coordinators), Hospitality/Tourism (flight attendants, drivers, retail), and Construction/Logistics (warehouse, drivers, maintenance) due to growth, an aging population, and a strong tourism/defense sector, with roles ranging from entry-level to specialized professionals like nurse practitioners and power linemen.
 

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Hawaii?

A typical 2-bedroom rental in Honolulu averages around $3,000/month. Buying a $1M home with 20% down can mean a $5,500–$6,000 monthly payment including taxes and insurance—often plus HOA fees. Renting is usually cheaper month-to-month; owning shifts more of your payment into equity.

How does anyone afford to live in Hawaii?

People afford Hawaii's high cost by embracing communal living (multi-generational homes, shared housing), reducing expenses through local food/gardening, using alternative transport, securing stable/lower-cost housing (ADUs, long-term ownership), and finding income streams like tutoring or renting parts of their property, managing expenses tightly with budgeting and bulk buying to offset high import costs. 

How much of my paycheck goes to taxes in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs a graduated income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%, which can significantly impact your net income based on your earnings level. The Aloha State's tax code includes various deductions and exemptions that affect your paycheck.

What is the highest taxed state in the US?

Highest taxed states

• California (12.3%, with 1% tax on income in excess of $1 million)
• Hawaii (11%)
• New York (10.9%)
• New Jersey (10.75%)
• District of Columbia (10.75%)
• Oregon (9.9%)
• Minnesota (9.85%)
• Massachusetts (5%, with 4% surtax on taxable income in excess of $1,053,750)

Can you live in Hawaii with $3,000 a month?

Living in Hawaii on $3,000 a month is extremely difficult and requires a very strict, minimalist lifestyle, likely involving roommates and living far from popular areas, as basic costs like rent (often $1,800+ for a studio/1-bedroom), groceries, and utilities can easily surpass $3,000 before other expenses, though some find ways to budget very tightly, as detailed in this Reddit thread. 

What's the safest island to live on in Hawaii?

If you're just looking at the sheer number of incidents on each island, Kauai is the safest island to live on.

Is $2000 enough for a week in Hawaii?

Ideally, would $2k be enough for 2 adults for a week (hotel and flights already paid for, just asking for food and small things to do.) yes, it's enough some days you'll be under budget some days you'll be over budget. It'll all equal out. The bus pass is a great idea.

How much is a gallon of milk in Hawaii?

A gallon of milk in Hawaii is significantly more expensive than on the mainland, typically ranging from $6 to over $8, with some reports showing prices around $7.99 for a gallon on Oahu in late 2025, reflecting Hawaii's overall higher grocery costs (30-50% more) due to shipping. 

What is a livable salary in Hawaii?

The living wage in Hawaii is $17.90 per hour for a single adult with no children. The living wage differs depending on the number and ages of family members. For example, the living wage for a single adult with one child is $32.73 per hour, while the living wage for a single adult with two children is $38.55 per hour.

How much is toilet paper in Hawaii?

Four rolls of toilet paper will be about $6. Eating out will add up quickly. The average cost of breakfast in Hawaii is $9 to $15, lunch at about $12 to $18 and dinner will cost $15 to $30 (or more).

Are groceries taxed in Hawaii?

The sales tax on groceries in Hawaii remains consistent across Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. The base GET rate is 4%, with certain counties (such as Honolulu) adding a small surcharge, typically 0.5%, that applies across all purchases, including groceries and prepared foods.

What state has zero sales tax?

Five states have no statewide sales tax: New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware. These are sometimes called the NOMAD states. Businesses based in NOMAD states can establish nexus and an obligation to collect sales tax in other states. There are local taxes in the states with no sales tax.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Hawaii?

Yes, as long as the claimant of the home exemption is 65 years or older on or before June 30th and the Real Property Assessment Division has the claimants date of birth on records as of September 30th prior to the tax year for which the exemption is claimed, the claimant will be eligible for the $160,000 home exemption ...