Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI
Population 15,754 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Wailuku run well above the national baseline, with a median of $782,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $93,958 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros.
Geographically, Wailuku lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu. 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 Wailuku
The median home value in Wailuku is $781,700 — 156% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,747/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,958/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Wailuku has a cost of living index of 207 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 107% 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 | 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 Wailuku, HI?
Wailuku has a cost index of 207 (100 = national average). It is 107% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wailuku, HI?
The median gross rent in Wailuku is $1,747 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wailuku?
The median home value in Wailuku is $781,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wailuku?
The median household income in Wailuku is $93,958 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wailuku, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wailuku is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Wailuku, HI affordable?
Wailuku is above average in cost of living, with an index of 207 — about 107% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Wailuku?
Wailuku 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.
Wailuku at a Glance
- Population
- 15,754
- Median Income
- $93,958
- Home Value
- $781,700
- Median Rent
- $1,747/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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