Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,721 per month with rent, or $1,202 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,985 per month with rent, or $1,852 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $5,250 per month with rent, or $2,502 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.26 $19.26
$12.17 $12.17
$35.71 $35.71
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$76.1 $76.1
$50.8 $50.8
$127 $127
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.98 $10.98
$9.93 $9.93
$13.97 $13.97
Cappuccino
$5.07 $5.07
$3.49 $3.49
$7.97 $7.97
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59 $2.59
$2.04 $2.04
$4.08 $4.08
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 $2.06
$1.54 $1.54
$3.09 $3.09
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.11 $6.11
$4.07 $4.07
$8.66 $8.66
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.19 $7.19
$5.14 $5.14
$10.28 $10.28
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.03 $1.03
$0.77 $0.77
$1.47 $1.47
White Bread (500g)
$3.47 $3.47
$2.13 $2.13
$5.45 $5.45
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.30 $4.30
$2.07 $2.07
$8.50 $8.50
Eggs
$4.13 $4.13
$1.97 $1.97
$6.89 $6.89
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.41 $12.41
$7.09 $7.09
$22.32 $22.32
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.37 $11.37
$6.06 $6.06
$19.61 $19.61
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.68 $15.68
$10.08 $10.08
$24.64 $24.64
Apples (1kg)
$5.00 $5.00
$2.60 $2.60
$8.97 $8.97
Banana (1kg)
$1.59 $1.59
$1.09 $1.09
$4.14 $4.14
Oranges (1kg)
$4.15 $4.15
$2.15 $2.15
$8.62 $8.62
Tomato (1kg)
$4.80 $4.80
$2.24 $2.24
$8.96 $8.96
Potato (1kg)
$2.86 $2.86
$1.33 $1.33
$6.19 $6.19
Onion (1kg)
$2.86 $2.86
$1.85 $1.85
$4.45 $4.45
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.08 $2.08
$1.40 $1.40
$3.02 $3.02
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.12 $2.12
$1.18 $1.18
$3.21 $3.21
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.68 $9.68
$8.07 $8.07
$12.11 $12.11
Wine (Bottle)
$15.07 $15.07
$10.04 $10.04
$24.12 $24.12
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.84 $1.84
$1.75 $1.75
$2.90 $2.90
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.29 $3.29
$1.57 $1.57
$5.88 $5.88
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.98 $1.98
$1.24 $1.24
$1.98 $1.98
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$121 $121
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.44 $3.44
$2.95 $2.95
$4.91 $4.91
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.66 $1.66
$1.59 $1.59
$2.22 $2.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.51 $29.51
$26.69 $26.69
$35.39 $35.39
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.31 $1.31
$1.75 $1.75
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.1K $29.1K
$23.3K $23.3K
$35.4K $35.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.8K $25.8K
$25.1K $25.1K
$27.2K $27.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$184 $184
$118 $118
$337 $337
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$52.5 $52.5
$29.83 $29.83
$99.5 $99.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$69.1 $69.1
$51.0 $51.0
$102 $102
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.36 $43.36
$17.65 $17.65
$50.4 $50.4
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$24.76 $24.76
-
Cinema Ticket
$13.64 $13.64
$11.11 $11.11
$18.18 $18.18
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,313 $1,313
$1,012 $1,012
$1,869 $1,869
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.2K $23.2K
$16.6K $16.6K
$27.0K $27.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.7 $51.7
$30.35 $30.35
$81.0 $81.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.43 $39.43
$24.64 $24.64
$64.1 $64.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$87.0 $87.0
$60.3 $60.3
$131 $131
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 $114
$65.2 $65.2
$204 $204
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,601 $1,601
$1,199 $1,199
$1,856 $1,856
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,367 $1,367
$1,010 $1,010
$1,515 $1,515
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,669 $2,669
$2,030 $2,030
$3,045 $3,045
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,179 $2,179
$1,667 $1,667
$2,452 $2,452
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,724 $2,724
$1,983 $1,983
$2,724 $2,724
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,720 $2,720
$2,207 $2,207
$2,720 $2,720
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
6.19
7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $389 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $121.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is more expensive than 98% of cities in North America

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Wailuku, HI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Wailuku compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Compared to bigger Hawaiian hubs, Wailuku offers a more affordable feel for an island town, with a slower rhythm and easier access to local markets. You’ll notice rents and long-term stays hinge on proximity to Lahaina, Kahului, or the coast, but good value shows up in smaller apartments, shared spaces, and longer leases. For many, Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI, United States feels manageable when you cook at home, shop locally, and pick neighborhoods with a mix of housing options. Seasonal demand from visitors can influence prices, but the town remains walkable and bike-friendly for daily errands. Tip: Compare neighborhood vibes and seasonality to find value that fits your rhythm.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Wailuku?
Understanding Wailuku, HI, United States living cost helps you set expectations as you search for housing. Housing options span compact apartments, modest houses, and guest units, often with flexible terms near the town center. Use local listings, drive around neighborhoods, and visit in person to gauge parking and noise. Food options range from farmers markets and produce boxes to casual eateries; cooking at home stretches budgets. Transport leans toward car use, with limited fixed schedules; some routes and bike lanes keep errands doable. Tip: Map your errands by neighborhood to save time.
What budgeting approaches help you maximize quality of life in Wailuku, including seasonal shopping, neighborhood fit, and saving tips?
A practical budgeting framework for Wailuku centers on prioritizing essentials like housing and groceries, while leaving room for experiences that Hawaii offers. Start by choosing a neighborhood that minimizes commute and parking costs, then tailor your food and utility habits accordingly. Shop at locally produced groceries and markets, use shared workspaces, and tap into community events for low-cost social options. Seasonality affects activity levels and availability of certain services, so adjust expectations and plans. Tip: Track recurring expenses for a simple monthly overview and adjust where needed.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Wailuku, HI?
All in, Wailuku, HI runs about $2,721 monthly with rent, or $1,202 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is Wailuku, HI really that expensive?
Wailuku, HI is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,721. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Wailuku, HI?
You'll want at least $4,081 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Wailuku, HI. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Wailuku, HI?
In Wailuku, HI's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,601 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,367. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Wailuku, HI per month?
Private kindergarten in Wailuku, HI costs about $1,313 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Wailuku, HI?
Gym memberships in Wailuku, HI cost about $43.36 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.
Is $2,500 enough to cover living costs in Wailuku, HI?
$2,500 in Wailuku, HI is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,721, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What are the pros and cons of living in Wailuku, HI?
Quality of life in Wailuku, HI is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, clean air, family-friendly facilities, and monthly costs hover around $2,721. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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