Makawao, HI vs Wailuku, HI

Makawao, HI and Wailuku, HI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Makawao scores 156 while Wailuku scores 155 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Makawao is $1,699/month compared to $1,747/month in Wailuku — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Makawao has cheaper rent, Wailuku actually has lower median home values ($781,700 vs $819,600).

Median household income in Makawao is $96,116 compared to $93,958 in Wailuku (+2.3%). 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, less than the 22.3% in Wailuku.