Lawai, HI vs Makawao, HI

Makawao is moderately more affordable than Lawai, with a 6.6% lower cost of living index. Lawai scores 167 compared to 156 for Makawao, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lawai can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lawai is $1,917/month compared to $1,699/month in Makawao — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Makawao is more affordable at $819,600 median vs $853,700.

Median household income in Lawai is $104,826 compared to $96,116 in Makawao (+9.1%). While Lawai is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawai spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Makawao.