F
108%
Overall NAT. AVG.
27%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
306%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Laie Hawaii National
Cost of living208163100
Groceries127126100
Health care120119100
Housing406252100
Transportation120121100
Utilities126131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment127127100
Household Items116115100
Education & Childcare131132100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Laie is 28% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Laie is 108% higher than the national average
  • Laie housing is 306% higher than the national average
  • Hawaii general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Hawaii state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Laie

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Compare Laie, HI Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$197,703$16,475$4,613$5,932
      Renters$112,637$9,386$2,628$3,379
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Laie, HI, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Laie homeowners, is $197,703. This would allow for a maximum of $4,613 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $112,637 which would result in a maximum of $2,628 to be spent on rental costs.

      Hawaii Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Hawaii 4% 4.712%

      Hawaii Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Hawaii 1.4% 11%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Waipio Acres, HI5,72415453.8%
      Wahiawa, HI16,98916564.9%
      Kahuku, HI2,29616666.0%
      Whitmore Village, HI3,87716565.1%
      Wheeler AFB, HI2,18416868.1%
      Laie, HI6,246208108.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Elmwood, LA6,2461033.3%
      University at Buffalo, NY6,24611414.0%
      Silver Lakes, CA6,24812120.6%
      Greenwood, MO6,2431011.3%
      Manchester, WA6,24912828.1%
      Laie, HI6,246208108.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.