Wailea, HI vs Wheeler AFB, HI

The cost of living difference between Wailea, HI and Wheeler AFB, HI is dramatic. Wheeler AFB is 51.2% cheaper than Wailea, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Wailea has a cost index of 225 while Wheeler AFB sits at 149, 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.

Renters will find that Wailea has a median rent of $2,485/month while Wheeler AFB comes in at $2,790/month, a 11% difference.

Median household income in Wailea is $89,375 compared to $88,409 in Wheeler AFB (+1.1%). 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 Wailea spend roughly 33.4% of their income on rent, less than the 37.9% in Wheeler AFB. The Wailea ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.