Whether you call Hawaii home or are planning a vacation to the Aloha State, you are painfully aware of one fact: the Hawaiian Islands are expensive. From food and gas to housing, utilities, and various consumable goods, the cost of living — or vacationing — in Hawaii is astronomical.
In fact, just a few months ago, Hawaii was named the priciest state in America in a study conducted by CNBC as part of their annual “America’s Top States for Business” (Hawaii was No. 47 on that list). While this doesn’t shock anyone who actually calls Hawaii home, we’re also not necessarily excited about this “honor.” So, what makes Hawaii so expensive?
CNBC ranked all 50 states based on an index of basic items, including everything from average home and food prices to energy bills and health costs — and not surprisingly, Hawaii came out on top.
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In addition to outrageous housing costs, Hawaii families have to shell out for transportation, energy, and food. Let’s take a look at what exactly life in Hawaii costs you.
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According to CNBC, a half-gallon of orange juice will set you back $5.56 in Hawaii, but just half that in Boise, Idaho. Even sugar — considered to be one of the Aloha State’s most important crops — costs twice as much in Honolulu as it does in Florida. With the average cost of a half-gallon of milk setting you back $3.64, the sticker shock is real the first time anyone shops at a Hawaii grocery store.
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Because there is a limited about of developable land in Hawaii — and island life is quite desirable so there is no balance between supply and demand — housing costs in Hawaii are astronomical. The average home price in Honolulu is upwards of $1 million.
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And the energy costs? Outrageous! The average retail price of electricity in Hawaii is 33 percent higher than in the second most expensive state, Alaska, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The average monthly electric bill is a whopping $432.
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According to CNBC, “Out-of-control living expenses in some of these places may make it difficult for you and your family to enjoy the best possible quality of life.”
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While this certainly is true, we’d like to think that the sun, sand, surf, and Aloha Spirit make the cost of living in paradise totally worth it. Besides, we probably wouldn’t fit in too well in the cheapest state in America, Mississippi (we’re totally joking… maybe).
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California, Massachusetts, New York, and Alaska round out the top five most expensive states in America.
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Kahunapule Michael Johnson/Flickr
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Well, are you surprised by this recognition? If you need to reassure yourself that you’ve made an excellent decision in choosing to stay in
— or move to — Hawaii, Here Are 15 Reasons You Definitely Belong Right Here In Hawaii.
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