Cost of Living in Makawao, HI

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F
74%
Overall NAT. AVG.
27%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
192%
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 Makawao Hawaii National
Cost of living174163100
Groceries127126100
Health care119119100
Housing292252100
Transportation120121100
Utilities130131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment126127100
Household Items116115100
Education & Childcare132132100
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Homes For Sale In Makawao, HI

property for sale

61 Kee Rd

Makawao, HI
property for sale

2811 Liholani St #5

Makawao, HI
property for sale

46 Kuinehe Pl #18

Makawao, HI
property for sale

2740 Liholani St #3

Makawao, HI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Makawao is 7% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Makawao is 74% higher than the national average
  • Makawao housing is 192% 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 Makawao

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Compare Makawao, HI Cost of Living

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      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$159,415$13,285$3,719$4,783
      Renters$64,772$5,398$1,511$1,943
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Makawao, 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 Makawao homeowners, is $159,415. This would allow for a maximum of $3,719 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $64,772 which would result in a maximum of $1,511 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.
      Maalaea, HI26314847.6%
      Waihee-Waiehu, HI10,98816666.3%
      Wailuku, HI17,88616867.6%
      Kahului, HI30,86717170.6%
      Haliimaile, HI1,01717574.8%
      Makawao, HI8,16217474.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Seaford, DE8,1631033.1%
      Abingdon, VA8,159945.7%
      Ione, CA8,15212424.4%
      Landen, OH8,1721022.2%
      Travelers Rest, SC8,1721032.9%
      Makawao, HI8,16217474.4%
      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.
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