| Index | Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) | Hawaii | National |
| Cost of living | 142 | 163 | 100 |
| Groceries | 124 | 126 | 100 |
| Health care | 120 | 119 | 100 |
| Housing | 190 | 252 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 121 | 100 |
| Utilities | 130 | 131 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 121 | 127 | 100 |
| Household Items | 116 | 115 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 127 | 132 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) cost of living index is 142, which is 42% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs significantly influence the Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 90%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), household essentials are 15.6% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.
The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 23.7% higher than the national average.
Wondering if Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), for example, the median home price is 121.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 16.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) boasting a median household income of $90,283, which is 11% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates kick off at 1.4%.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living data for Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $105,720 | $8,810 | $2,467 | $3,172 |
| Renters | $83,226 | $6,936 | $1,942 | $2,497 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Hawaii | 4% | 4.712% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Hawaii | 1.4% | 11% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Waimalu, HI | 14,084 | 155 | 55.3% |
| Waimanalo Beach, HI | 4,376 | 162 | 62.5% |
| Punaluu, HI | 1,151 | 170 | 69.5% |
| Kaneohe Station, HI | 11,404 | 171 | 71.5% |
| Waimanalo, HI | 5,782 | 171 | 71.0% |
| Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI | 14,062 | 142 | 42.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Mississippi Mills, ON | 14,064 | n/a | |
| Grimes, IA | 14,059 | 102 | 2.2% |
| Monticello, MN | 14,058 | 105 | 5.4% |
| Beauharnois, QC | 14,056 | n/a | |
| Lockhart, TX | 14,070 | 96 | 3.8% |
| Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI | 14,062 | 142 | 42.2% |
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