City Comparison
Schofield Barracks vs Kapolei
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kapolei scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Schofield Barracks
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Schofield Barracks is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
42% lower than in Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Schofield Barracks's average rent is
42% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Schofield Barracks | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $3,420 | -42% |
| Groceries | $480 | $459 | +5% |
| Utilities | $220 | $396 | -44% |
| Transport | $140 | $200 | -30% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $759 | -71% |
| Monthly Total | $3,060 | $5,234 | -42% |
| Cost Index | 125 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Schofield Barracks offers 46% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Schofield Barracks delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Schofield Barracks is estimated at
$60,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Schofield Barracks | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,400 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $80,388 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Schofield Barracks runs warmer on average — a 71.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Schofield Barracks comes out ahead with 193 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Schofield Barracks sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Schofield Barracks | 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 | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Schofield Barracks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
Schofield Barracks scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Schofield Barracks leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Schofield Barracks | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kapolei is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Schofield Barracks.
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 | Schofield Barracks | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,270 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.18% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 22.7 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Schofield Barracks
Advantages
Median household income in the surrounding area ($80,388) provides a stable economic baseline supported by federal employment.
Exceptionally secure environment with controlled base access points and low internal crime rates.
Abundant recreational amenities including fitness centers, pools, and close proximity to Oahu's North Shore beaches.
High rates of health insurance coverage with premier military and regional medical facilities nearby.
Strong community support networks, military family programs, and diverse cultural integration.
Drawbacks
High cost of living driven by island logistics, imported goods, and elevated utility rates.
Competitive housing market with high rental and property purchase costs across central Oahu.
Traffic congestion on primary arterial highways during peak commuting hours toward Honolulu.
Transience of the population due to military permanent change of station (PCS) rotations.
Steep electricity expenses impacting monthly household utility budgets.
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.
Schofield Barracks
#451Hawaii, USA
55.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,000
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
125
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
193/yr
Avg Temp
71.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.18%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
78
Business
65
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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