Cost of Living in Waimalu, HI
Population 14,176 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Waimalu run well above the national baseline, with a median of $598,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $89,016 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros. At 7.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Waimalu sits roughly 7 miles northwest of Urban Honolulu. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waimalu
The median home value in Waimalu is $597,700 — 96% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,892/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,016/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, 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%. Overall, Waimalu has a cost of living index of 175 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 75% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waimalu, HI?
Waimalu has a cost index of 175 (100 = national average). It is 75% above the national average.
What is average rent in Waimalu, HI?
The median gross rent in Waimalu is $1,892 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waimalu?
The median home value in Waimalu is $597,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waimalu?
The median household income in Waimalu is $89,016 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waimalu, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waimalu is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Waimalu, HI affordable?
Waimalu is above average in cost of living, with an index of 175 — about 75% higher than the national average.
Waimalu at a Glance
- Population
- 14,176
- Median Income
- $89,016
- Home Value
- $597,700
- Median Rent
- $1,892/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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