Cost of Living in Waialua, HI

Population 3,015 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

237
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Waialua sits 209% above the national median — $942,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $84,656 (14% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

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

Cost Overview

Housing 309
Rent 130

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

About the Cost of Living in Waialua

The median home value in Waialua is $942,300 — 209% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,707/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,656/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 84.9°F and lows of 69.1°F. Overall, Waialua has a cost of living index of 237 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 137% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$942,300
209% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$282,633
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,707/mo
30% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,810/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
46.0x
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 59.3%
Renter-occupied 40.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,707
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,321/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
36.4 min
35% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.9%
Carpooled
6.0%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
8.4%

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
$84,656
14% above avg
Per Capita Income
$39,209
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
15% above avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
Labor Force Participation
62.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.6%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.8
Male median age 47.5
Female median age 49.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
84.9°F
Avg Low
69.1°F
Annual Precip
13.9"
60° 68° 75° 83° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 818182848587888989878482
Low °F 656566686971737372726967
Precip" 1.361.791.950.630.970.270.290.620.671.301.772.29

💨 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 Waialua, HI?

Waialua has a cost index of 237 (100 = national average). It is 137% above the national average.

What is average rent in Waialua, HI?

The median gross rent in Waialua is $1,707 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Waialua?

The median home value in Waialua is $942,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Waialua?

The median household income in Waialua is $84,656 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Waialua, HI?

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

Is Waialua, HI affordable?

Waialua is above average in cost of living, with an index of 237 — about 137% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Waialua?

Waialua has average high temperatures of 84.9°F and average lows of 69.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Waialua at a Glance

Population
3,015
Median Income
$84,656
Home Value
$942,300
Median Rent
$1,707/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
84.9°F
Sales Tax
4.4%
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