F
79%
Overall NAT. AVG.
24%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
211%
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 Makakilo Hawaii National
Cost of living179163100
Groceries124126100
Health care116119100
Housing311252100
Transportation117121100
Utilities131131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment126127100
Household Items112115100
Education & Childcare132132100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Makakilo, HI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Makakilo is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Makakilo is 179, which is 79% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Makakilo 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, Makakilo falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Makakilo 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 211.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Makakilo, these items cost 12.2% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Makakilo is no exception, where grocery prices are 24% above the national average.

Is Makakilo Affordable?

Is Makakilo 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 Makakilo is 259.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 97.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Makakilo has a median household income of $167,082, which is 105.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Makakilo?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Makakilo, the general sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates begin at 1.4%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Makakilo, healthcare costs are 15.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Makakilo cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Makakilo is 10% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Makakilo is 79% higher than the national average
  • Makakilo housing is 211% 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 Makakilo

See all the best places to live around Makakilo

Compare Makakilo, HI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$194,143$16,179$4,530$5,825
      Renters$90,740$7,562$2,117$2,722
      The affordability of the housing market in Makakilo, HI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Makakilo homeowners, the median income is $194,143. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,530 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $90,740. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,117 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Waianae, HI13,61214140.9%
      Makaha, HI10,41114342.7%
      Nanakuli, HI11,83014545.1%
      Waipio Acres, HI5,72415453.8%
      Waimalu, HI14,08415555.3%
      Makakilo, HI20,02417978.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bethany, OK20,021909.9%
      Badger, AK20,01912221.5%
      Old Jamestown, MO20,0341011.0%
      Englewood, FL20,0361076.8%
      South Burlington, VT20,01012323.1%
      Makakilo, HI20,02417978.9%
      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.