Cost of Living in Laie, HI

Population 5,568 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

258
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Laie's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $943,000 for a typical home, 209% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $119,219 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Laie sits roughly 25 miles north of Urban Honolulu. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 309
Rent 181

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Laie

The median home value in Laie is $942,700 — 209% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,375/month, 81% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,219/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Hawaii's top state income tax rate is 11.0% and the combined sales tax is 4.4%. The climate averages highs of 81.1°F and lows of 72.1°F. Overall, Laie has a cost of living index of 258 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 158% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$942,700
209% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$653,790
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,375/mo
81% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
33.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.3%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,597
1 BR
$1,625
2 BR
$2,135
3 BR
$2,810
4 BR
$3,324
Owner-occupied 41.2%
Renter-occupied 58.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,375
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,989/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.0 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
37.9%
Carpooled
10.2%
Public transit
3.1%
Walked
28.6%
Bicycle
6.4%
Work from home
12.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 11.0%
Total Sales Tax 4.4%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.3%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$119,219
60% above avg
Per Capita Income
$24,663
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
52% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Labor Force Participation
66.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.6%
Graduate degree 17.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 23.2
Male median age 24.5
Female median age 22.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
81.1°F
Avg Low
72.1°F
Annual Precip
27.8"
Annual Snowfall
0"
60° 68° 75° 83° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 797878808182838484838179
Low °F 686969717274757576757370
Precip" 2.813.163.621.621.321.271.311.421.502.583.683.53

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
92.3%
Good air days/yr
117
Max AQI recorded
187
PM2.5 days
174
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Laie, HI?

Laie has a cost index of 258 (100 = national average). It is 158% above the national average.

What is average rent in Laie, HI?

The median gross rent in Laie is $2,375 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Laie?

The median home value in Laie is $942,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Laie?

The median household income in Laie is $119,219 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Laie, HI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laie is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.

Is Laie, HI affordable?

Laie is above average in cost of living, with an index of 258 — about 158% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Laie?

Laie has average high temperatures of 81.1°F and average lows of 72.1°F. Annual precipitation is 27.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Laie at a Glance

Population
5,568
Median Income
$119,219
Home Value
$942,700
Median Rent
$2,375/mo
Unemployment
7.3%
Avg High Temp
81.1°F
Sales Tax
4.4%
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