City Comparison
Lahaina vs Schofield Barracks
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Schofield Barracks scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lahaina
Schofield Barracks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Schofield Barracks is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Lahaina.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lahaina's average rent is
30% higher than Schofield Barracks's.
| Metric | Lahaina | Schofield Barracks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $2,000 | +30% |
| Groceries | $550 | $480 | +15% |
| Utilities | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $140 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $220 | +36% |
| Monthly Total | $3,820 | $3,060 | +25% |
| Cost Index | 155 | 125 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Schofield Barracks offers 9% lower 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 Lahaina is estimated at
$70,000 vs $60,000 in Schofield Barracks.
| Metric | Lahaina | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,000 idx | 54,400 idx |
| Household Income | $84,000 | $80,388 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lahaina runs warmer on average — a 5.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Schofield Barracks comes out ahead with 20 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Lahaina | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Schofield Barracks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Lahaina.
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 | Lahaina | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Schofield Barracks is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Lahaina.
From a growth perspective, Schofield Barracks is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Schofield Barracks has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lahaina | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,500 | 16,270 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.18% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 22.7 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.20% |
| 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
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.
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
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
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