Paauilo, HI vs Pahala, HI

The cost of living difference between Paauilo, HI and Pahala, HI is dramatic. Pahala is 34.2% cheaper than Paauilo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Paauilo has a cost index of 102 while Pahala sits at 76, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Paauilo is $1,117/month compared to $650/month in Pahala — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pahala is more affordable at $216,600 median vs $361,100.

Median household income in Paauilo is $65,750 compared to $71,908 in Pahala (-8.6%). Pahala offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Paauilo spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, more than the 10.8% in Pahala.