Hawaii
184.8
composite · rank #51
- Housing
- 302.4
- Grocery
- 136.3
- Utilities
- 183.5
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Hawaii vs Alaska Cost of Living
Alaska has the lower cost of living by 55.8 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Alaska is lower
55.8 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Hawaii is roughly $69,805 in Alaska.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Alaska
129
composite · rank #47
- Housing
- 132.4
- Grocery
- 126.6
- Utilities
- 148.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Hawaii | Alaska | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 136.3 | 126.6 | Alaska |
| Housing | 302.4 | 132.4 | Alaska |
| Utilities | 183.5 | 148.4 | Alaska |
| Transportation | 149 | 123.8 | Alaska |
| Health care | 113.1 | 130.7 | Hawaii |
| Misc. goods & services | 122.7 | 123.1 | Hawaii |
Grocery
Hawaii136.3
Alaska126.6
Lower cost: Alaska
Housing
Hawaii302.4
Alaska132.4
Lower cost: Alaska
Utilities
Hawaii183.5
Alaska148.4
Lower cost: Alaska
Transportation
Hawaii149
Alaska123.8
Lower cost: Alaska
Health care
Hawaii113.1
Alaska130.7
Lower cost: Hawaii
Misc. goods & services
Hawaii122.7
Alaska123.1
Lower cost: Hawaii
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Alaska | Needed in Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $34,903 | $71,628 |
| $75,000 | $52,354 | $107,442 |
| $100,000 | $69,805 | $143,256 |
| $150,000 | $104,708 | $214,884 |
| $250,000 | $174,513 | $358,140 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Alaska$34,903
In Hawaii$71,628
$75,000 origin salary
In Alaska$52,354
In Hawaii$107,442
$100,000 origin salary
In Alaska$69,805
In Hawaii$143,256
$150,000 origin salary
In Alaska$104,708
In Hawaii$214,884
Housing gap
Hawaii housing is 302.4; Alaska is 132.4.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Hawaii is roughly $69,805 in Alaska.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Hawaii vs Alaska cost of living FAQs
Alaska has the lower cost of living by 55.8 index points. The composite indexes are 184.8 in Hawaii and 129 in Alaska (US average = 100).
About $69,805 in Alaska would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Hawaii, based on the composite indexes.
About $143,256 in Hawaii would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Alaska.
Housing indexes are 302.4 in Hawaii and 132.4 in Alaska. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Alaska has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.