Cost of Living in Makawao, HI
Population 7,263 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Makawao run well above the national baseline, with a median of $820,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $96,116 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros.
Geographically, Makawao lies roughly 105 miles east of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu. Housing prices track closely with Urban Honolulu's $834,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Makawao
The median home value in Makawao is $819,600 — 169% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,699/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,116/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below 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 86.1°F and lows of 68.1°F. Overall, Makawao has a cost of living index of 213 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 113% more expensive.
Makawao has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 82 | 82 | 83 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 89 | 86 | 83 |
| Low °F | 64 | 64 | 65 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 71 | 70 | 68 | 66 |
| Precip" | 2.42 | 2.00 | 2.64 | 1.32 | 0.71 | 0.17 | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.45 | 0.83 | 1.81 | 2.80 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Makawao, HI?
Makawao has a cost index of 213 (100 = national average). It is 113% above the national average.
What is average rent in Makawao, HI?
The median gross rent in Makawao is $1,699 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Makawao?
The median home value in Makawao is $819,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Makawao?
The median household income in Makawao is $96,116 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Makawao, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Makawao is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Makawao, HI affordable?
Makawao is above average in cost of living, with an index of 213 — about 113% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Makawao?
Makawao has average high temperatures of 86.1°F and average lows of 68.1°F. Annual precipitation is 16.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Makawao at a Glance
- Population
- 7,263
- Median Income
- $96,116
- Home Value
- $819,600
- Median Rent
- $1,699/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs