City Comparison
Makakilo vs Kapolei
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Makakilo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Makakilo
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Makakilo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
36% lower than in Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Makakilo's average rent is
36% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Makakilo | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,200 | $3,420 | -36% |
| Groceries | $500 | $459 | +9% |
| Utilities | $220 | $396 | -44% |
| Transport | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $759 | -63% |
| Monthly Total | $3,350 | $5,234 | -36% |
| Cost Index | 165 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Makakilo offers 68% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Makakilo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Makakilo is estimated at
$65,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Makakilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,273 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $105,000 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Makakilo runs warmer on average — a 75.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Makakilo comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Makakilo sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Makakilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 75.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 24.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Kapolei has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Makakilo.
Makakilo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kapolei leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Makakilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 68.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kapolei is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Makakilo.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Makakilo | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,500 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Makakilo
Advantages
Sweeping panoramic ocean and mountain views across the Leeward coast
Significantly cooler evening temperatures compared to sea-level Honolulu
Family-friendly residential vibe with low violent crime rates
Proximity to the expanding commercial and retail hub of Kapolei
Strong median household income levels compared to the national average
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing prices than mainland averages
Heavy car dependency due to steep hillside terrain and limited public transit
Severe peak-hour traffic congestion along the H-1 freeway commute corridor
Limited walkability for daily errands within the residential subdivisions
High electricity and utility costs typical of island living in Hawaii
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Makakilo
#430Hawaii, USA
56.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,200
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
165
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
75.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
79
Business
70
Kapolei
#433Hawaii, USA
56.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
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