Cost of Living in Waihee-Waiehu, HI

With a cost of living index of 166, Waihee-Waiehu, HI is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 66% more expensive than the national average and 8% above the Hawaii state average of 157. Waihee-Waiehu is a smaller community of 11,369 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Waihee-Waiehu's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,224 (69% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $740,300 (143% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Waihee-Waiehu is $128,266, which is 71% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than 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.