Kaunakakai, HI vs Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), HI

The cost of living difference between Kaunakakai, HI and Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), HI is dramatic. Kaunakakai is 39.9% cheaper than Waimea CDP (Hawaii County), a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kaunakakai has a cost index of 92 while Waimea CDP (Hawaii County) sits at 154, 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 $2,039/month in Waimea CDP (Hawaii County) — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kaunakakai is more affordable at $335,200 median vs $652,900.

Median household income in Kaunakakai is $76,944 compared to $89,268 in Waimea CDP (Hawaii County) (-13.8%). Waimea CDP (Hawaii County) does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Kaunakakai spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 27.4% in Waimea CDP (Hawaii County).