Lanai City, HI vs Makawao, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lanai City is 26.1% cheaper than Makawao. With a cost index of 116 vs 156, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lanai City to Makawao should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lanai City is $1,092/month compared to $1,699/month in Makawao — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lanai City is more affordable at $547,400 median vs $819,600.

Median household income in Lanai City is $79,405 compared to $96,116 in Makawao (-17.4%). The higher salaries in Makawao partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Lanai City spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.2% in Makawao.