Hawaii housing costs at a glance
| Hawaii | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $834,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.31% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.3% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,488 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $1,249,125 baseline (Hawaii, like Alaska, has a higher statutory limit), more in the highest-cost counties – check the FHFA table |
Example: median-priced home
Hawaii home for $834,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $4,217 + property tax $208 + insurance $124 = about $4,550 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Hawaii property tax: the lowest rate, the highest prices
Hawaii has the lowest effective property tax rate in the US, about 0.31% of value, but the highest home prices. Each county sets its own rates, with lower rates for owner-occupied homes, and gives a home exemption that removes a large part of the assessed value (well over $100,000 in Honolulu) when you live in the home. Apply with the county real property assessment office.
Other Hawaii costs
- Conveyance tax: graduated from 0.10% to 1.25% of the price for homes bought by an owner-occupant, and higher for other buyers; paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $1,490 a year for a standard policy; hurricane coverage is usually a separate policy, and lava-zone and flood coverage can be costly.
- Loan limits: Hawaii has a higher baseline conforming limit than the mainland, so many median-priced homes still qualify for a conforming loan.
Other states
See also the Hawaii paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Hawaii?
About 0.31% of home value on average, the lowest in the US, with even lower rates for owner-occupied homes.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Hawaii home?
On a $834,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $4,217; with property tax at 0.3% and average insurance the total is about $4,550 a month.
What is the conforming loan limit in Hawaii for 2026?
Hawaii has a higher statutory baseline, $1,249,125 for a one-unit home, and more in the highest-cost counties.
Is hurricane insurance included in a Hawaii homeowners policy?
Usually not: hurricane coverage is typically bought as a separate policy or endorsement.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- City and County of Honolulu – real property tax
- Hawaii Department of Taxation – conveyance tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026