City Comparison
Wailuku 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
Wailuku
Schofield Barracks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Schofield Barracks is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Wailuku.
| Metric | Wailuku | Schofield Barracks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $2,000 | +5% |
| Groceries | $520 | $480 | +8% |
| Utilities | $220 | $220 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $140 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $220 | +27% |
| Monthly Total | $3,270 | $3,060 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 170 | 125 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Schofield Barracks offers 6% 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 Wailuku is estimated at
$62,000 vs $60,000 in Schofield Barracks.
| Metric | Wailuku | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,647 idx | 54,400 idx |
| Household Income | $86,500 | $80,388 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3.8°F of each other.
For sunshine, Wailuku comes out ahead with 137 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Wailuku | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 75.50°F | 71.70°F |
| Summer High | 84.60°F | 81.70°F |
| Winter Low | 65.70°F | 61.00°F |
| Rainfall | 8.00 in | 30.60 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 330 | 193 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Wailuku 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 | Wailuku | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Schofield Barracks is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x 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 | Wailuku | Schofield Barracks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,200 | 16,270 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.18% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 22.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
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
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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