Waianae, HI vs Wailea, HI

The cost of living difference between Waianae, HI and Wailea, HI is dramatic. Waianae is 47.2% cheaper than Wailea, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Waianae has a cost index of 119 while Wailea sits at 225, 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 Waianae is $1,307/month compared to $2,485/month in Wailea — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waianae is more affordable at $487,200 median vs $1,363,700.

Median household income in Waianae is $84,766 compared to $89,375 in Wailea (-5.2%). Wailea does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Waianae spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 33.4% in Wailea. The Waianae ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.