Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI vs Wailuku, HI

The cost of living difference between Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI and Wailuku, HI is dramatic. Wailuku is 51.1% cheaper than Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) has a cost index of 234 while Wailuku sits at 155, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) is $3,068/month compared to $1,747/month in Wailuku — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wailuku is more affordable at $781,700 median vs $1,239,000.

Median household income in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) is $146,615 compared to $93,958 in Wailuku (+56%). While Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Wailuku.