Buying in Hawaii: what the numbers look like
Hawaii keeps the recurring cost of ownership low: its 0.27% average effective property tax rate ranks 1st lowest in the nation (national average ≈ 0.94%), so the typical $830,000 home carries only about $2,241 a year in property tax. On the insurance side, Hawaii homeowners average about $850 a year — a bargain at 68% below the 50-state average. Standard policies commonly exclude hurricane — a separate hurricane policy is typical.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical Hawaii purchase pencils out near $4,455/month: $4,197 principal & interest + $187 tax + $71 insurance. That's the number the calculator above starts from — swap in your real price, rate quote, and county figures to make it yours.
Property taxes & closing costs in Hawaii
The lowest property tax rate in the nation — but applied to the highest home values, so dollar bills are still substantial.
Transfer tax: Conveyance tax from 0.1% to 1.25%, rising with price and higher for non-residents. Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
Hawaii at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $830,000 (1st highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 0.27% ≈ $187/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $850/yr ≈ $71/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $4,455/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical Hawaii home?
The typical Hawaii home runs about $830,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($166,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $4,455 — $4,197 principal & interest, $187 property tax, and $71 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in Hawaii?
Hawaii's average effective rate is 0.27% of home value — the 50th lowest — that is, 1st lowest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $830,000 home that is about $2,241 per year. The lowest property tax rate in the nation — but applied to the highest home values, so dollar bills are still substantial.
How much is homeowners insurance in Hawaii?
Roughly $850 per year on average for $300k of dwelling coverage (Bankrate, 2025) — below the 50-state average of $2,682. Standard policies commonly exclude hurricane — a separate hurricane policy is typical.
Nearby states & more tools
Compare: California mortgage calculator · Washington mortgage calculator · Oregon mortgage calculator · Alaska mortgage calculator — or see all 50 states compared.
Not sure of your price range? Start with the home affordability calculator, then fine-tune here. The full mortgage calculator has extra payments and PMI controls too.
Data & sources: Property tax — Effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing, calendar year 2023 (Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS data, published 2025). Home value — Typical home value, Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), 2025, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Insurance — Average annual homeowners insurance premium for $300k dwelling coverage (Bankrate/Quadrant 2025), rounded to the nearest $50. State-level figures are planning defaults, not quotes: property taxes vary by county and city, insurance varies by home and insurer, and home values move monthly. Every value prefills the calculator but remains editable. The 6.5% rate is illustrative, not an offer or a prediction — always enter a real quote.
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only — not financial advice. See our Terms of Use.