F
67%
Overall NAT. AVG.
24%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
171%
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 Waipio Hawaii National
Cost of living167163100
Groceries124126100
Health care116119100
Housing271252100
Transportation117121100
Utilities131131100
Lifestyle & Entertainment126127100
Household Items112115100
Education & Childcare132132100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waipio, HI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Waipio? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Waipio stands at 167, making it 67% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Waipio may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Waipio falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Waipio cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 171.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

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 Waipio, these items cost 12.2% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Waipio, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 24% higher than the national average.

Is Waipio Affordable?

Is Waipio affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Waipio, the median home price is 202.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 98.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Waipio boasting a median household income of $138,081, 69.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waipio?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Waipio, the transportation index is 17.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Waipio, the housing index is 171.4% 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 Waipio, healthcare costs are 15.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Waipio are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Waipio is 3% higher than the Hawaii average
  • The cost of living in Waipio is 67% higher than the national average
  • Waipio housing is 171% 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 Waipio

See all the best places to live around Waipio

Compare Waipio, 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$157,342$13,112$3,671$4,721
      Renters$86,234$7,186$2,012$2,587
      The affordability of the housing market in Waipio, 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 Waipio homeowners, the median income is $157,342. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,671 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $86,234. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,012 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%
      Waipio, HI10,98516767.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Columbia, IL10,9851021.7%
      Waihee-Waiehu, HI10,98816666.3%
      Burr Ridge, IL10,98816767.2%
      Broomall, PA10,98812524.8%
      Fairfield, AL10,9808614.0%
      Waipio, HI10,98516767.0%
      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.