City Comparison
Wailuku vs Kapolei
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kapolei scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wailuku
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wailuku is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
38% lower than in Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wailuku's average rent is
39% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Wailuku | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $3,420 | -39% |
| Groceries | $520 | $459 | +13% |
| Utilities | $220 | $396 | -44% |
| Transport | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $759 | -63% |
| Monthly Total | $3,270 | $5,234 | -38% |
| Cost Index | 170 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wailuku offers 38% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wailuku delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wailuku is estimated at
$62,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Wailuku | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,647 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $86,500 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wailuku runs warmer on average — a 75.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wailuku comes out ahead with 330 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wailuku sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wailuku | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 75.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 65.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 8.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 330 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Wailuku has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
Wailuku scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wailuku leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wailuku | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kapolei is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Wailuku.
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 | Wailuku | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,200 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wailuku
Advantages
Median home price appreciation has stabilized after recent peaks per Hawaii Association of Realtors data.
Serves as the administrative and government hub of Maui County with stable public sector jobs.
Immediate proximity to the scenic and historically significant Iao Valley State Monument.
Vibrant historic downtown featuring local artisan shops, cafes, and the historic ʻĪao Theater.
More authentic local community feel compared to tourist-heavy resort districts on the island.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the U.S. national average.
Limited housing inventory drives up both rental rates and purchase prices.
Island logistics and high shipping costs inflate everyday grocery and utility expenses.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours connecting to neighboring Kahului.
Vulnerability to tropical weather events and high humidity during summer months.
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.
Wailuku
#526Hawaii, USA
50.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
170
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
330/yr
Avg Temp
75.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
Business
67
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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