Kawela Bay, HI vs Maalaea, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Maalaea is 22.4% cheaper than Kawela Bay. With a cost index of 153 vs 188, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Maalaea to Kawela Bay should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kawela Bay is $2,609/month compared to $2,163/month in Maalaea — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Maalaea is more affordable at $612,500 median vs $848,400.

Median household income in Kawela Bay is $76,094 compared to $93,750 in Maalaea (-18.8%). Maalaea offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kawela Bay spend roughly 41.1% of their income on rent, more than the 27.7% in Maalaea. The Maalaea ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.