Makawao, HI vs Wahiawa, HI

Wahiawa is moderately more affordable than Makawao, with a 10.4% lower cost of living index. Makawao scores 156 compared to 142 for Wahiawa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Makawao can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Makawao is $1,699/month compared to $1,443/month in Wahiawa — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wahiawa is more affordable at $716,800 median vs $819,600.

Median household income in Makawao is $96,116 compared to $86,883 in Wahiawa (+10.6%). While Makawao is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Makawao spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, more than the 19.9% in Wahiawa.