Last update: Oct 2026 United States 15.3K

Cost of Living in Wailuku, HI

For one person, living costs in Wailuku, HI are estimated at $2,600 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $37 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Wailuku, HI

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Wailuku, HI actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,600 per month with rent, or $1,123 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,600 /mo

A couple spends around $3,819 per month with rent, or $1,953 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,819 /mo

A family of three spends around $5,038 per month with rent, or $2,782 without housing.

$5,038 /mo

Overall, Wailuku, HI is 77–91% above the global median across household types. Within North America, costs are 29% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.69 $19.69
$14.56 $14.56
$34.46 $34.46
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$75.6 $75.6
$56.4 $56.4
$126 $126
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.63 $11.63
$10.11 $10.11
$15.17 $15.17
Cappuccino
$5.42 $5.42
$4.07 $4.07
$8.13 $8.13
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.69 $2.69
$2.02 $2.02
$4.03 $4.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97 $1.97
$1.47 $1.47
$2.95 $2.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.85 $5.85
$3.90 $3.90
$8.77 $8.77
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.28 $7.28
$6.03 $6.03
$10.05 $10.05
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 $1.01
$0.78 $0.78
$1.49 $1.49
White Bread (500g)
$3.48 $3.48
$2.14 $2.14
$5.39 $5.39
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.26 $4.26
$2.15 $2.15
$8.57 $8.57
Eggs
$4.15 $4.15
$2.08 $2.08
$6.98 $6.98
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.61 $12.61
$7.90 $7.90
$22.34 $22.34
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.72 $11.72
$6.68 $6.68
$22.36 $22.36
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.12 $17.12
$11.05 $11.05
$24.32 $24.32
Apples (1kg)
$5.08 $5.08
$2.73 $2.73
$8.94 $8.94
Banana (1kg)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.04 $1.04
$3.14 $3.14
Oranges (1kg)
$4.25 $4.25
$2.17 $2.17
$8.70 $8.70
Tomato (1kg)
$4.64 $4.64
$2.17 $2.17
$8.16 $8.16
Potato (1kg)
$2.87 $2.87
$1.51 $1.51
$6.13 $6.13
Onion (1kg)
$3.02 $3.02
$2.00 $2.00
$4.44 $4.44
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.10 $2.10
$1.47 $1.47
$2.94 $2.94
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.23 $1.23
$3.44 $3.44
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.34 $9.34
$8.80 $8.80
$11.17 $11.17
Wine (Bottle)
$15.27 $15.27
$10.18 $10.18
$23.92 $23.92
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.83 $1.83
$1.61 $1.61
$2.92 $2.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.35 $3.35
$1.90 $1.90
$5.98 $5.98
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.04 $2.04
$1.53 $1.53
$2.04 $2.04
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$60.3 $60.3
$30.14 $30.14
$60.3 $60.3
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.14 $3.14
$3.04 $3.04
$4.82 $4.82
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.71 $1.71
$1.52 $1.52
$2.13 $2.13
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$31.66 $31.66
$26.45 $26.45
$36.41 $36.41
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.58 $1.58
$1.51 $1.51
$1.75 $1.75
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5K $28.5K
$28.0K $28.0K
$37.3K $37.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.0K $26.0K
$25.4K $25.4K
$26.8K $26.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$197 $197
$134 $134
$346 $346
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$62.5 $62.5
$32.28 $32.28
$108 $108
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$68.9 $68.9
$49.28 $49.28
$98.6 $98.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.71 $34.71
$13.02 $13.02
$43.39 $43.39
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$70.2 $70.2
-
Cinema Ticket
$13.95 $13.95
$11.96 $11.96
$18.93 $18.93
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,361 $1,361
$1,096 $1,096
$1,992 $1,992
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.3K $23.3K
$17.4K $17.4K
$29.8K $29.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.1 $52.1
$29.69 $29.69
$79.2 $79.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.19 $41.19
$24.99 $24.99
$65.0 $65.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$87.9 $87.9
$64.5 $64.5
$134 $134
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$112 $112
$73.5 $73.5
$176 $176
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,575 $1,575
$1,288 $1,288
$1,816 $1,816
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,280 $1,280
$1,000 $1,000
$1,499 $1,499
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,539 $2,539
$1,888 $1,888
$2,997 $2,997
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,059 $2,059
$1,568 $1,568
$2,451 $2,451
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,848 $2,848
$2,150 $2,150
$2,848 $2,848
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,492 $2,492
$2,011 $2,011
$2,492 $2,492
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.57
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 26, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Wailuku, HI $2,600
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$397
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$329
Eating Out
$320
Clothing & Footwear
$132
Getting Around
$80
Sport & Entertainment
$63

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $397 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76 – broadly in line with the North American average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $60 – roughly in line with the North American average of $54.

Cost Highlights

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

Wailuku, HI is more expensive than 85% of cities worldwide and 63% within North America.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:48 8:48 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
15,313
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.11 USD (1 USD = 0.898 EUR).

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Wailuku, HI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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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 $2,600 monthly with rent, or $1,123 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 $2,600. 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 $3,900 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?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Wailuku, HI runs about $1,575 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,280. 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 $1,361 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 $35 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.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Wailuku, HI?
$3,000 covers the $2,600 average monthly cost in Wailuku, HI, though without much to spare. A moderate apartment, home cooking, and public transport keep you within budget; saving takes some discipline.
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 $2,600. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

Wailuku, HI vs other spots: cost of living compared

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