Kurtistown, HI vs Makawao, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Kurtistown is 26.2% cheaper than Makawao. With a cost index of 115 vs 156, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Kurtistown to Makawao should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kurtistown is $1,343/month compared to $1,699/month in Makawao — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kurtistown is more affordable at $441,200 median vs $819,600.

Median household income in Kurtistown is $78,750 compared to $96,116 in Makawao (-18.1%). The higher salaries in Makawao partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kurtistown spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.2% in Makawao.