Lawai, HI vs Wailea, HI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lawai is 25.8% cheaper than Wailea. With a cost index of 167 vs 225, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lawai to Wailea should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lawai is $1,917/month compared to $2,485/month in Wailea — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawai is more affordable at $853,700 median vs $1,363,700.

Median household income in Lawai is $104,826 compared to $89,375 in Wailea (+17.3%). Lawai offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawai spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, less than the 33.4% in Wailea. The Lawai ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.