Helemano, HI vs Makawao, HI

Helemano, HI and Makawao, HI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.1% difference in their overall index. Helemano scores 156 while Makawao scores 156 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

Renters will find that Helemano has a median rent of $3,037/month while Makawao comes in at $1,699/month, a 79% difference.

Median household income in Helemano is $82,659 compared to $96,116 in Makawao (-14%). While Makawao is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Helemano spend roughly 44.1% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Makawao. The Makawao ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.