F
70%
Overall NAT. AVG.
27%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
165%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Wailuku Hawaii National
Cost of living170173100
Goods & Services127130100
Groceries117137100
Health care123126100
Housing265250100
Transportation135143100
Utilities151180100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI

Knowing the cost of living in Wailuku allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Wailuku stands at 170, marking it 70% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Wailuku may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Wailuku falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Wailuku cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 164.5% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The things you purchase regularly, like clothes, haircuts, movie tickets and gym memberships, can make a big dent in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. Unfortunately in Wailuku, these items will cost you 26.8% more than what's considered the norm, making it a more expensive place to call home.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Wailuku, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 16.7% higher than the national average.

Is Wailuku Affordable?

Is Wailuku affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Wailuku, for instance, where the median home price falls 217.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 41% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Wailuku flaunting a median household income of $76,624, 38.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wailuku?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Wailuku, healthcare costs are 23.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Wailuku, is 164.5% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Wailuku displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wailuku is 2% lower than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Wailuku is 70% higher than the national average
  • Wailuku housing is 165% higher than the national average
  • Hawaii general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Hawaii state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Wailuku

See all the best places to live around Wailuku

Compare Wailuku, HI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$103,670$8,639$2,419$3,110
      Renters$49,446$4,121$1,154$1,484
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Wailuku, HI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Wailuku, the median monthly income is $103,670 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,419 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $49,446, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,154 on monthly rental expenses.

      Hawaii Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Hawaii 4% 4.712%

      Hawaii Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Hawaii 1.4% 11%

      Goods & Services

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      Haircut $19.47$24.2619.8%
      Beauty Salon $76.67$45.5668.3%
      Toothpaste $3.68$3.700.6%
      Shampoo $1.73$1.2834.8%
      Movie $15.08$12.1324.3%
      Bowling $25.33$18.0040.7%

      Groceries

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.42$5.847.2%
      Fried Chicken $2.85$1.5781.0%
      Milk $5.38$4.6715.1%
      Potatoes $5.94$4.9320.4%
      Pizza $14.99$12.0924.0%
      Beer $12.01$10.4115.4%

      Health Care

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $236.67$125.6888.3%
      Doctor $191.36$135.7840.9%
      Dentist $114.44$113.291.0%
      Ibuprofen $11.35$10.656.6%
      Lipitor $573.90$468.6022.5%

      Housing

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      Home Price $586,300.00$184,700.00217.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $8,008.77$2,346.69241.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,338.00$949.0041.0%

      Transportation

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.80$3.4638.8%
      Tire Balancing $75.37$59.9225.8%

      Utilities

      Item Wailuku National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $359.53$193.9985.3%
      Phone $184.47$192.254.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Maalaea, HI25815150.8%
      Waihee-Waiehu, HI10,77116969.4%
      Kahului, HI29,99317373.4%
      Makawao, HI7,98917675.9%
      Haliimaile, HI99717776.5%
      Wailuku, HI17,52317069.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kingsland, GA17,523946.4%
      South Houston, TX17,522919.1%
      Centerville, UT17,52712423.7%
      Martinsburg, WV17,5171021.7%
      Bostonia, CA17,53213939.2%
      Wailuku, HI17,52317069.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.