Cost of Living in Waianae, HI
Population 12,907 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waianae is a smaller Hawaii community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $84,766 and housing costs ($487,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Waianae sits roughly 25 miles west of Urban Honolulu — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waianae
The median home value in Waianae is $487,200 — 60% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,307/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,766/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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 84.9°F and lows of 69.1°F. Overall, Waianae has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 87 | 84 | 82 |
| Low °F | 65 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 69 | 67 |
| Precip" | 1.36 | 1.79 | 1.95 | 0.63 | 0.97 | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.62 | 0.67 | 1.30 | 1.77 | 2.29 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waianae, HI?
Waianae has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waianae, HI?
The median gross rent in Waianae is $1,307 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waianae?
The median home value in Waianae is $487,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waianae?
The median household income in Waianae is $84,766 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waianae, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waianae is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Waianae, HI affordable?
Waianae is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Waianae?
Waianae 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.
Waianae at a Glance
- Population
- 12,907
- Median Income
- $84,766
- Home Value
- $487,200
- Median Rent
- $1,307/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 84.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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