Paauilo, HI vs Puako, HI

The cost of living difference between Paauilo, HI and Puako, HI is dramatic. Paauilo is 58.2% cheaper than Puako, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Paauilo has a cost index of 102 while Puako sits at 244, 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 $1,964/month in Puako — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paauilo is more affordable at $361,100 median vs $1,781,300.

Median household income in Paauilo is $65,750 compared to $116,250 in Puako (-43.4%). The higher salaries in Puako partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Paauilo spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, more than the 20.3% in Puako.