Kalaeloa, HI vs Makawao, HI

Kalaeloa, HI and Makawao, HI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.5% difference in their overall index. Kalaeloa scores 157 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 Kalaeloa has a median rent of $3,068/month while Makawao comes in at $1,699/month, a 81% difference.

Median household income in Kalaeloa is $81,833 compared to $96,116 in Makawao (-14.9%). Makawao offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kalaeloa spend roughly 45% 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.