City Comparison
Wahiawa 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
Wahiawa
Schofield Barracks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Schofield Barracks is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Wahiawa.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Schofield Barracks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $2,000 | +5% |
| Groceries | $500 | $480 | +4% |
| Utilities | $250 | $220 | +14% |
| Transport | $150 | $140 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $220 | +36% |
| Monthly Total | $3,300 | $3,060 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 125 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wahiawa offers similar 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 Wahiawa is estimated at
$60,000 vs $60,000 in Schofield Barracks.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,370 idx | 54,400 idx |
| Household Income | $82,000 | $80,388 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 71.70°F | 71.70°F |
| Summer High | 81.70°F | 81.70°F |
| Winter Low | 61.00°F | 61.00°F |
| Rainfall | 30.60 in | 30.60 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 193 | 193 |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Schofield Barracks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Wahiawa.
For walkability, Schofield Barracks leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wahiawa | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wahiawa is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Schofield Barracks.
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 | Wahiawa | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,800 | 16,270 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.18% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 22.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
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
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Wahiawa and Schofield Barracks.
Open Cost Calculator