Kaunakakai, HI vs Waikele, HI

The cost of living difference between Kaunakakai, HI and Waikele, HI is dramatic. Kaunakakai is 48.4% cheaper than Waikele, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kaunakakai has a cost index of 92 while Waikele sits at 179, 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 Kaunakakai is $905/month compared to $2,739/month in Waikele — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kaunakakai is more affordable at $335,200 median vs $696,400.

Median household income in Kaunakakai is $76,944 compared to $111,971 in Waikele (-31.3%). The higher salaries in Waikele partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kaunakakai spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 29.4% in Waikele.