Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Honolulu, HI
Considering a move to Honolulu, HI? Home to about 351,000 residents, Honolulu blends tropical climate, cultural diversity, and urban convenience. Expect a higher cost of living with median home prices around $849,000 and average rents of $2,300, but enjoy warm weather year-round and 71% sunny days. Commute times average 28 minutes and crime rates are moderate, while schools and healthcare options are strong. Honolulu’s vibrant island lifestyle and amenities make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Honolulu, HI
Demographics - Honolulu, HI
Honolulu is home to approximately 351,000 residents, with a population density of 5,800 people per square mile and a median age of 41.5. The city is notably diverse, with over half the population of Asian descent and around 30% speaking a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and multicultural atmosphere contribute to Honolulu’s vibrant community life.
Population:
350,964
Density:
5,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
30.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
16.3%
Black:
1.7%
Asian:
54.8%
Others:
27.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Honolulu, HI?
Living in Honolulu comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value nearing $849,000 and average rents around $2,300 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and utilities, are well above the national average, reflected in the city’s cost of living index of 165.7. Residents should also plan for higher state taxes and above-average utility costs.
Median House Value:
$848,900
Gross Rent:
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$310
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11%
Cost Of Living Index:
165.7
Grocery:
149.3
Housing:
237.2
Utilities:
196.0
Transportation:
128.4
Health Care:
120.1
Miscellaneous:
117.6
Crime
Is Honolulu, HI a safe place to live?
Honolulu experiences moderate crime rates, with 243 violent crimes and 3,427 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 412, while property crime risk is 1 in 29. While these rates are typical for a large urban area, it’s important for newcomers to be mindful of their neighborhoods and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
243
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,427
Crime Index:
3,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 412
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Honolulu, HI year-round?
Honolulu boasts a tropical climate with mild seasonal changes, enjoying winter lows around 66°F and summer highs up to 88°F. The city receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually but benefits from an impressive 71% of days with sunshine. This consistent, pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
66°F
Max:
80°F
Spring
Min:
68°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
70°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Households in Honolulu have a median income of $89,800, with a per capita income of $41,700 and a poverty rate of 10.6%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and the city’s unemployment rate is a low 3.1%. The average commute is about 28 minutes, and over 13% of locals use public transportation regularly.
Median Income:
$38,300
Household Income:
$89,800
Family Income:
$108,500
Per Capita Income:
$41,700
Income Male:
$47,200
Income Female:
$42,500
Poverty Rate:
10.6%
Non English Speakers:
30.5%
Rent:
$2,300
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
13.5%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
36.7%
Education
How are the schools in Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu offers a range of educational opportunities, from well-regarded public and private schools to prominent higher education institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Public schools such as McKinley High and Washington Middle maintain favorable student-teacher ratios. The city’s colleges and universities provide diverse academic options and contribute to a well-educated local workforce.
Public Schools
Name:
President William McKinley High School
Street:
1039 S King St
Phone:
808-594-0400
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Washington Middle School
Street:
1633 S King St
Phone:
808-973-0177
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Iolani School
Street:
563 Kamoku St
Phone:
808-949-5355
Students:
2,100
Colleges
Name:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
City:
Honolulu
State:
HI
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Chaminade University of Honolulu
City:
Honolulu
State:
HI
Distance:
2.5 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Honolulu offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like The Queen's Medical Center and Straub Medical Center providing comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95.2% and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting strong overall health outcomes for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The Queen's Medical Center
Address:
1301 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone:
(808) 691-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Straub Medical Center
Address:
888 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone:
(808) 522-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.2%
Health Care Index:
80.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $848,900 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,300. About 53% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Home values have shown steady appreciation, making real estate an investment consideration for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$848,900
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits office on Dillingham Blvd is the primary resource for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and related services. Residents can access information, forms, and appointments through the official Honolulu government website or by phone. Efficient DMV services help streamline moving and settling in.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
City & County of Honolulu Motor Vehicle, Licensing & Permits
Address:
City Square, 1199 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone:
(808) 768-9100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.