Utility Costs in Hawaii (HI)
The average household in Hawaii pays $290 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $190/mo for electricity (at 35.0¢/kWh), $40/mo for natural gas, and $60/mo for water. This is $43 (17.41%) above the national average of $247/mo. Highest electric rates in the nation due to imported fuel. Low gas usage. Rapid solar adoption reducing some costs.
Utility Costs by City in Hawaii
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Hawaii, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Honolulu is the most expensive at $299/mo, while Hilo is the most affordable at $281/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $195 | $42 | $62 | $299 | $3,588 | +$9 |
| Kailua | $192 | $40 | $65 | $297 | $3,564 | +$7 |
| Hilo | $185 | $38 | $58 | $281 | $3,372 | -$9 |
How Hawaii Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Hawaii with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Hawaii stands nationally and shows how the cost breakdown (electric vs. gas vs. water) can differ even when totals are similar.
| State | Electric | Rate | Gas | Water | Total/Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | $190 | 35.0¢/kWh | $40 | $60 | $290 |
| Alaska (AK) | $140 | 24.2¢/kWh | $85 | $65 | $290 |
| California (CA) | $170 | 27.5¢/kWh | $55 | $65 | $290 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $140 | 24.0¢/kWh | $90 | $50 | $280 |
| Alabama (AL) | $160 | 13.6¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $270 |
| Maryland (MD) | $140 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $270 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Hawaii
Electricity in Hawaii
The average electricity bill in Hawaii is $190/month, with a rate of 35.0¢/kWh. This is well above the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. High rates in Hawaii are typically driven by fuel costs, transmission infrastructure, and the energy source mix. The total bill of $190/mo is above the national average of $137/mo, reflecting either higher rates or greater usage (or both).
Natural Gas in Hawaii
Natural gas costs average $40/month in Hawaii. Low gas costs indicate a mild climate with minimal heating needs, or widespread use of electric heating and appliances. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Hawaii
Water and basic sewer service averages $60/month in Hawaii. Higher water costs can reflect drought conditions, aging infrastructure requiring investment, or higher treatment costs. The national average water bill is approximately $45/month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Hawaii
What is the average utility bill in Hawaii?
The average household in Hawaii pays approximately $290 per month for utilities, or $3,480 per year. This includes $190 for electricity, $40 for natural gas, and $60 for water. This is $43 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Hawaii?
The average residential electricity rate in Hawaii is 35.0¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $190. This is significantly above the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Hawaii has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Honolulu has the highest average utility costs at $299/month, while Hilo has the lowest at $281/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Hawaii?
To reduce your utility costs in Hawaii, consider: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances (look for ENERGY STAR ratings), improving home insulation and sealing air leaks, using a programmable or smart thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and fixing any water leaks promptly. Given the high electric rates in your state, solar panels may offer significant savings. Check with your local utility for rebate programs and energy audit services.
Are utility costs in Hawaii going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Hawaii, trends depend on local factors including energy source mix, regulatory decisions, and weather patterns. States with high electric rates are investing in renewable energy which may stabilize costs long-term. Contact your local utility provider for rate change notices and budget billing options.
Compare Utility Costs Across States
Use our utility cost lookup tool to compare Hawaii with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Hawaii stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.