Cost of Living in Kaanapali, HI

With a cost of living index of 289, Kaanapali, HI is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 189% more expensive than the national average and 131% above the Hawaii state average of 157. Kaanapali is a small community of 1,216 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kaanapali's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,501 (165% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,767,400 (480% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 13.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Kaanapali is $134,375, which is 79% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Kahului-Wailuku, HI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.