City Comparison
Lahaina vs Wailuku
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wailuku scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lahaina
Wailuku
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wailuku 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 Wailuku's.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wailuku | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $2,100 | +24% |
| Groceries | $550 | $520 | +6% |
| Utilities | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $280 | +7% |
| Monthly Total | $3,820 | $3,270 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 155 | 170 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wailuku offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lahaina delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lahaina is estimated at
$70,000 vs $62,000 in Wailuku.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wailuku |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $64,000 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,000 idx | 37,647 idx |
| Household Income | $84,000 | $86,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.7°F of each other.
For sunshine, Wailuku comes out ahead with 157 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wailuku |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 77.20°F | 75.50°F |
| Summer High | 85.40°F | 84.60°F |
| Winter Low | 69.70°F | 65.70°F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | 8.00 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 173 | 330 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Wailuku has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Lahaina.
Wailuku scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wailuku |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lahaina is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Wailuku.
From a growth perspective, Wailuku is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wailuku has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lahaina | Wailuku |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,500 | 8,200 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 39.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.80% |
| 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
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.
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
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
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