| Index | Kapaa | Hawaii | National |
| Cost of living | 168 | 163 | 100 |
| Groceries | 124 | 126 | 100 |
| Health care | 116 | 119 | 100 |
| Housing | 274 | 252 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 121 | 100 |
| Utilities | 131 | 131 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 126 | 127 | 100 |
| Household Items | 112 | 115 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 132 | 132 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Kapaa allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kapaa stands at 168, marking it 68% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Kapaa 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, Kapaa falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Kapaa cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 174.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
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 Kapaa, household essentials are 12.2% 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 Kapaa is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 24% higher than the national average.
Is Kapaa an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Kapaa is 223.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 59.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Kapaa has a median household income of $137,718, which is 69.3% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Kapaa, healthcare costs are 15.7% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Kapaa, the transportation index is 17.1% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living data for Kapaa 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 | $137,922 | $11,494 | $3,218 | $4,138 |
| Renters | $106,152 | $8,846 | $2,477 | $3,185 |
| 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. |
| Anahola, HI | 2,476 | 151 | 50.8% |
| Eleele, HI | 2,771 | 152 | 52.2% |
| Hanamaulu, HI | 4,817 | 152 | 52.5% |
| Puhi, HI | 4,454 | 157 | 56.8% |
| Wailua, HI | 2,553 | 162 | 61.7% |
| Kapaa, HI | 10,232 | 168 | 67.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Clay, AL | 10,231 | 96 | 3.7% |
| Galion, OH | 10,231 | 82 | 18.0% |
| Westgate, FL | 10,229 | 102 | 2.3% |
| Jesup, GA | 10,229 | 90 | 10.0% |
| Northampton, PA | 10,228 | 99 | 0.5% |
| Kapaa, HI | 10,232 | 168 | 67.8% |
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