Cost of living in Wailuku
Wailuku, located in the beautiful state of Hawaii, offers a unique blend of island charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Wailuku is crucial for anyone considering a move to this picturesque location.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed decisions about living in Wailuku.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $35 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $225.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $16.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $9, imported beer $12, cappuccino $8.5, and Coke/Pepsi $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $2.11 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $7.72.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs cost $10.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $6 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3.5, with a monthly pass priced at $120.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.29 and $1.72 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10, with a cost of $1.24 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $4000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $3200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $6700.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $5500.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $23680.6.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $350 on average.
- Internet - Internet services average $150.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Wailuku presents a high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are significantly above the national average, especially in the city centre.
Grocery prices are also elevated, reflecting the island's reliance on imported goods. Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively reasonable.
Potential residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining, and consider exploring local markets for more affordable grocery options.
Conclusion
Living in Wailuku offers a unique lifestyle with its beautiful surroundings and vibrant culture. However, the cost of living is notably high, driven by expensive housing and dining.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in such a desirable location. Careful financial planning and exploring cost-saving opportunities can help manage expenses effectively.