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Cost of Living in Wailuku

Is it better to rent or buy in Wailuku? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$94,428
$1,819/mo

Median in area: $1,819

$773,247

Median in area: $773,247

$154,649

If you Rent

$2,066 /mo
Base Rent$1,819
Est. Utilities$247
% of Income26.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,803

If you Buy

$4,464 /mo
P&I (6.799%)$4,032
Taxes & Ins$185
Est. Utilities$247
% of Income56.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,405

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Wailuku?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Wailuku. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,066, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,464 per month (a difference of $2,398).

How much do utilities cost in Wailuku?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Wailuku is approximately $247. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Wailuku?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Wailuku without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $82,640 per year.