Cost of Living in Waikapu, HI
Population 3,645 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Waikapu sits 175% above the national median — $838,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $121,618 (63% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 90 miles east of Urban Honolulu, Waikapu is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. 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 Waikapu
The median home value in Waikapu is $837,700 — 175% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,696/month, 105% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $121,618/year is 63% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Waikapu has a cost of living index of 247 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 147% more expensive.
Waikapu 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 Waikapu, HI?
Waikapu has a cost index of 247 (100 = national average). It is 147% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waikapu, HI?
The median gross rent in Waikapu is $2,696 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waikapu?
The median home value in Waikapu is $837,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Waikapu?
The median household income in Waikapu is $121,618 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waikapu, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waikapu is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Waikapu, HI affordable?
Waikapu is above average in cost of living, with an index of 247 — about 147% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Waikapu?
Waikapu 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.
Waikapu at a Glance
- Population
- 3,645
- Median Income
- $121,618
- Home Value
- $837,700
- Median Rent
- $2,696/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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