The Best and Worst Cities in Hawaii for Your Finances

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If you’ve recently considered moving to Hawaii, you know how expensive the state is compared to much of the rest of the United States. In fact, just 20% of households in the state can afford to buy a single-family home, according to the Associated Press.

In a recent study, GOBankingRates found the cities in each state where you are most likely and least likely to live paycheck to paycheck. The averages are based on the cost of household expenditures, mortgage payments, cost of living and median household income.

Here are some of the best and worst cities in Hawaii for your finances.

Best City

Kapolei is the spot in Hawaii where you’re least likely to live paycheck to paycheck, with average leftover savings of more than $24,000.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Average annual cost of expenditures: $32,208
• Average annual mortgage: $65,349
• Average annual cost of living: $97,557
• Household median income: $121,768
• Leftover savings: $24,211

Other affordable areas include Ewa Beach, where residents have an average of $18,709 left after expenses, and Aiea, where they’re left with $16,045 after expenses.

Worst City

Makawao is the location in Hawaii where a high cost of living is most likely to force residents to live paycheck to paycheck.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Average annual cost of expenditures: $30,490
• Average annual mortgage: $77,891
• Average annual cost of living: $108,381
• Household median income: $109,385
• Leftover savings: $1,004

Other expensive areas include Hilo, where residents have $6,494 left, on average, after expenses, and Kaneohe, where residents have an average of $5,716 left after expenses.

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