City Comparison
Lahaina vs Wahiawa
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wahiawa scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lahaina
Wahiawa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wahiawa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Lahaina.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lahaina's average rent is
24% higher than Wahiawa's.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wahiawa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $2,100 | +24% |
| Groceries | $550 | $500 | +10% |
| Utilities | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Transport | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $300 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,820 | $3,300 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 155 | 135 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wahiawa offers 9% lower 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 Lahaina is estimated at
$70,000 vs $60,000 in Wahiawa.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wahiawa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,000 idx | 50,370 idx |
| Household Income | $84,000 | $82,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lahaina runs warmer on average — a 5.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wahiawa comes out ahead with 20 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wahiawa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 77.20°F | 71.70°F |
| Summer High | 85.40°F | 81.70°F |
| Winter Low | 69.70°F | 61.00°F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | 30.60 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 173 | 193 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lahaina has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Wahiawa.
Wahiawa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wahiawa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 65.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wahiawa is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Lahaina.
From a growth perspective, Wahiawa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wahiawa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wahiawa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,500 | 17,800 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 35.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lahaina
Advantages
Stunning coastal setting with direct access to world-class beaches, snorkeling, and marine life
Rich historical and cultural significance as the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Warm, tropical climate year-round with steady trade winds and high sunshine totals
Strong, close-knit community fabric characterized by remarkable resilience and mutual support
Vibrant local dining, art, and music scene celebrating authentic Hawaiian traditions
Drawbacks
Severe housing shortages and elevated rental costs resulting from the 2023 wildfire recovery
Significantly higher overall cost of living compared to the U.S. mainland due to island logistics
Heavy reliance on a single highway artery (Honoapiilani Highway) leading to frequent traffic bottlenecks
Limited local hospital infrastructure, requiring travel to central Maui for major medical needs
Vulnerability to natural hazards and extreme weather events inherent to island geography
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Lahaina
#566Hawaii, USA
47.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,600
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
155
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
173/yr
Avg Temp
77.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
73
Business
62
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
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