Cost of Living in Waikele, HI
Population 7,950 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Waikele sits 128% above the national median — $696,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $111,971 (50% 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 0.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Waikele sits roughly 12 miles northwest of Urban Honolulu. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waikele
The median home value in Waikele is $696,400 — 128% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,739/month, 108% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $111,971/year is 50% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.6%, 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%. Overall, Waikele has a cost of living index of 220 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 120% more expensive.
Waikele 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waikele, HI?
Waikele has a cost index of 220 (100 = national average). It is 120% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waikele, HI?
The median gross rent in Waikele is $2,739 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waikele?
The median home value in Waikele is $696,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Waikele?
The median household income in Waikele is $111,971 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waikele, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waikele is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Waikele, HI affordable?
Waikele is above average in cost of living, with an index of 220 — about 120% higher than the national average.
Waikele at a Glance
- Population
- 7,950
- Median Income
- $111,971
- Home Value
- $696,400
- Median Rent
- $2,739/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.6%
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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