City Comparison
Wahiawa vs Kapolei
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kapolei scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wahiawa
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wahiawa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
37% lower than in Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wahiawa's average rent is
39% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $3,420 | -39% |
| Groceries | $500 | $459 | +9% |
| Utilities | $250 | $396 | -37% |
| Transport | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $759 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $3,300 | $5,234 | -37% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wahiawa offers 46% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wahiawa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wahiawa is estimated at
$60,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,370 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $82,000 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wahiawa runs warmer on average — a 71.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wahiawa comes out ahead with 193 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wahiawa sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 71.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 61.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 193 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Wahiawa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wahiawa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kapolei is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Wahiawa.
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 | Wahiawa | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,800 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wahiawa
Advantages
Proximity to Schofield Barracks provides a robust local economy and stable employment for defense contractors and civil servants.
Housing options are generally more affordable in Wahiawa compared to coastal Honolulu and nearby resort towns.
Central Oahu location offers convenient access to both the North Shore and Honolulu via major highways.
Rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene reflecting authentic local Hawaiian and Asian traditions.
Surrounded by natural attractions like the Wahiawa Botanical Garden and Lake Wilson recreation areas.
Drawbacks
High cost of living and expensive utility rates consistent with the broader Hawaiian islands.
Traffic congestion along Kamehameha Highway during peak commuting hours heading toward Honolulu.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to downtown Honolulu or Waikiki.
Older housing stock in some neighborhoods may require significant maintenance and updates.
Property crime rates, particularly vehicle break-ins, require residents to maintain heightened security awareness.
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.
Wahiawa
#557Hawaii, USA
47.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
135
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
193/yr
Avg Temp
71.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
72
Business
62
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Wahiawa and Kapolei.
Open Cost Calculator