Cost of Living in Wailea, HI
Population 6,571 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wailea's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.4 million sit roughly 4 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 100 miles southeast of Urban Honolulu, Wailea is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 63% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wailea
The median home value in Wailea is $1,363,700 — 347% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,485/month, 89% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,375/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 86.1°F and lows of 68.1°F. Overall, Wailea has a cost of living index of 344 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 244% more expensive.
Wailea 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 Wailea, HI?
Wailea has a cost index of 344 (100 = national average). It is 244% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wailea, HI?
The median gross rent in Wailea is $2,485 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wailea?
The median home value in Wailea is $1,363,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Wailea?
The median household income in Wailea is $89,375 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wailea, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wailea is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Wailea, HI affordable?
Wailea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 344 — about 244% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Wailea?
Wailea 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.
Wailea at a Glance
- Population
- 6,571
- Median Income
- $89,375
- Home Value
- $1,363,700
- Median Rent
- $2,485/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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