Which place is cheaper, Hawaii or California?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit California or Hawaii?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for California and Hawaii. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: California or Hawaii?
California
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and is known for a variety of attractions such as Hollywood, warm beaches, the San Francisco bay area, Redwood trees, national parks, and stunning mountain vistas. With a variety of locations and activities to offer, California has become one of the premier travel destinations in the world.
Hawaii
Located towards the center of the Pacific Ocean and the northeast corner of Polynesia, Hawai'i is the 50th state of the United States of America. It is a major tourist destination for travelers from around the world and as such, its economy is very dependent on the tourist dollar. Historically, the state had strong whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, but today tourism and the military make up a significant part of the economy. The state includes many islands that spread over 1,500 miles, but there are eight main islands which have a diversity of natural beauty and interesting landscapes. The islands offer visitors many impressive features from the beautiful beaches to the lush interior. There is a lot of hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving available throughout the islands. The capital of the state is Honolulu, which is also the largest city. Both Hawaiian and English are spoken throughout.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
-
California Prices
USA PricesHawaii Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalifornia $284Hawaii $393
The average daily cost (per person) in California is $284, while the average daily cost in Hawaii is $393. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for California and Hawaii in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalifornia $116Hawaii $214
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalifornia $232Hawaii $428
Compare Hotels in California and Hawaii
Looking for a hotel in California or Hawaii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.California $42Hawaii $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in California
Also for California, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $141
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $123
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco APT-HTL (SFO): $122
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles HTL-APT (LAX): $141
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles APT-HTL (LAX): $96
- Transfer from Los Angeles City Center to LA Airport (LAX): $71
- Snow Summit to Ontario Airport (ONT) - Departure Private Transfer: $159
- Shared ride Arrival Transfer John Wayne airport to Anaheim hotels: $36
- Shared Airport Departure Transfer Anaheim and Orange County to John Wayne Airport: $36
- Shared Airport Arrival Transfer: LAX International Airport to Anaheim, Buena Park or Garden Grove: $68
- Sedan Departure Transfer San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $104
- Sedan Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hawaii
Also for Hawaii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Your Island Welcome: Private KOA Airport Transfers: $40
- Waikoloa beach hotels to Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- VIP Private Maui OGG Departure Transfer Black Cadillac Escalade: $259
- VIP Private Maui OGG Arrival Transfer in Black Cadillac Escalade: $259
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $47
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Maui Kahului Airport: $16
- Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shared Arrival Transfer from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki Hotels: $25
- Round Trip Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu City: $55
- Private Transfer: Waikiki to Honolulu Airport HNL by Sedan: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into California or Hawaii?
Prices for flights to both Hawaii and California change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayCalifornia $79Hawaii $128
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in California
For California, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $70
- 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
- Pirates Dinner Adventure Buena Park: $76
- Carlsbad Food Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
- San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- The Immigrant & Historic Businesses of Silver Lake Food Tour: $89
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour: Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $90
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
- San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings: $95
- Encinitas Food Tour: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Waikiki Fireworks Dinner Cruise: Sail & Sparkle on Friday Nights: $129
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
- Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: $140
- From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
- Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
- Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu: $150
- Honolulu Sunset & Friday Fireworks Dinner Cruise: $151
- Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
- Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
- Coast of Ka'anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail : $158
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.California $69Hawaii $38
Tours and Activities in California
For California, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Private Tour in Malibu Majesty: $35
- Clear Kayak Paddle Tour at Cave Rock: $110
- Day Tour to Kings Canyon National Park: $275
- Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco: $100
- Explore San Francisco Napa Sacramento Oakland Black Exp Car Tour: $244
- Gaslamp Quarter to Little Italy Tour: $39
- Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock: $75
- Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles Private Tour: $249
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $28
- Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour Small-Group Half Day: $84
- North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor: $86
- Old Town Walking Tour: $129
Tours and Activities in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Tour de Honolulu" Foodie Bike Tour: $189
- Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery: $179
- Guided Kayak Tour to Kailua’s Twin Islands: $219
- Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats: $159
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $100
- Waikiki Two Tank Guided Scuba Diving Adventure: Certified Diver: $249
- 'Imiloa Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $190
- 'Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $212
- 'Lost' and Movie Tour: $200
- "Capture Memories: One-Hour Photography Experience at Waikiki": $150
- 1-Hour 3 Zipline Tour at Coral Crater: $109
- 10 Bar Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting Experience : $75
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalifornia $21Hawaii $19
Sample the Local Flavors in California
Also in California, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl: $12
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Scavenger Adventure and Lake Tahoe Bar Crawl: $15
- Palm Springs Bar Crawl: $15
- Santa Monica Bar Crawl: $15
- Vintner's Private Wine Tasting Experience: $20
- San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- Paso Robles Aria (Syrah Dominant) Flight Wine Tasting : $30
- Paso Robles Sonata(Red Blend) Flight Wine Tasting : $30
- Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
Sample the Local Flavors in Hawaii
Also in Hawaii, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Honolulu Self Guided Bar Crawl and Sightseeing: $15
- Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between California and Hawaii, we can see that Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is California much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to California would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in California and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hawaii than you might in California.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is California Expensive? and Is Hawaii Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, California or Hawaii?
California has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hawaii. When comparing the sizes of California and Hawaii, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.