Cost of Living in Kawela Bay, HI

With a cost of living index of 188, Kawela Bay, HI is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 88% more expensive than the national average and 30% above the Hawaii state average of 157. Kawela Bay is a small community of 371 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kawela Bay's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,609 (98% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $848,400 (178% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 11.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Kawela Bay is $76,094, which is 1% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 41% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents.

Everyday prices in the Urban Honolulu, 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.