Laie, HI vs Wailuku, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wailuku is 21.8% cheaper than Laie. With a cost index of 155 vs 188, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wailuku to Laie should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Laie is $2,375/month compared to $1,747/month in Wailuku — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wailuku is more affordable at $781,700 median vs $942,700.

Median household income in Laie is $119,219 compared to $93,958 in Wailuku (+26.9%). While Laie is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Laie spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Wailuku.