Cost of Living.
Everybody talks about the high cost of living in Hawai‘i. But what does it really mean?
We could look at the academic and economic textbook definition and debate and discuss the words, definitions, and interpretations.
Or we can just cut to the proverbial chase.
It's too damn expensive to live, work, play, visit and more in Hawai‘i.
Done.
Cost of Living.
I know. Simplistic.
But sometimes you have to keep it simple, stupid. Just K.I.S.S.
Example.
The iconic Readers Digest was produced to never exceed the 8th grade reading level. Why? So, readers didn't have to work to read the Digest. It was easy. It was simple.
And remains one of the most beloved publications in media history.
K.I.S.S.
Another example.
In Jacobellis v. Ohio (1964), a theater manager was convicted for showing the French film Les Amants (The Lovers). The Supreme Court reversed the conviction by ruling the film was not obscene and was protected under the First Amendment. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart wrote that state censorship of obscenity should be limited strictly to "hard-core pornography." He famously stated: "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description... But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that."
Now I'm not stating that the high cost of living is equal to pornography, but there is a connection because both are profane. (mic drop)
What I am saying is that you don't need reams of paperwork, calculations and analysis to define the high cost of living.
You know it when you see it.
Politicians tout their absolute dedication to reducing the cost of living in Hawaii. Election Day 2026 is minutes away with ballots in hands of registered voters. Virtually all messaging intended to win your support has the reducing the high cost of living as a central theme. Ironically, the very same politicians who have held several seats of legislative or executive office lorded over a political system that created and perpetuated the devastatingly high cost to live here. And those who are seeking to reject the status quo and effect actual change are immediately categorized as "not supporting working men and women" or "anti-local values" or a myriad of other unsubstantiated allegations.
At least we can lay claim that "We're Number One!" at something.
Don't agree?
Too partisan?
Too MAGA?
Too bad.
There's a reason that outmigration is taking place in Hawai‘i and has been underway for several years. Despite the pleas from elected officials for locals to stay (despite a lack of actual and substantive cost of living reductions) individuals and families are fleeing. Escaping. Leaving their home in search of relief. It's a statement that all the generational promises to make Hawai‘i a less expensive place live has been and continues to be an abject failure.
And no, this has nothing to do with Trump tariffs or the war with Iran. This has been a part of our history and continues to be our destiny.
Just how expensive is Hawai‘i?
According to The World Population Review of 2026, Hawai‘i has the Highest Cost of Living Index in the nation at 185.0. This national average index is 100.0. Therefore, Hawai‘i's Cost of Living Index is 85% higher than the national average. In comparison, Oklahoma has the Lowest Cost of Living Index in the nation at 86.0. Oklahoma's Cost of Living Index is 14% less than the national average.
The states with the Highest Cost of Living Index are:
- Hawai‘i — 185.0
- California — 142.3
- Massachusetts — 141.2
- District of Columbia — 138.8* (Not a state, of course)
- New York — 125.1
The states with the Lowest Cost of Living Index are:
- Kansas — 88.8
- Alabama — 88.6
- West Virginia — 88.3
- Mississippi — 87.3
- Oklahoma — 86.3
Is there a common denominator shared among these states?
The states with the Highest Cost of Living Indexes are Blue or Democrat controlled.
The states with the Lowest Cost of Living Indexes are Red or Republican controlled.
The conclusion?
K.I.S.S (mic drop).
Rick Hamada can be reached at rickhamada@aol.com.
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