Let the numbers do the talking.
Honolulu, HI vs Kailua, HI
Honolulu, HI vs Kailua, HI: What the data shows
Honolulu, HI is in Honolulu, HI while Kailua, HI is in Kailua, HI — both in the same state. On home prices, Honolulu, HI is the more affordable option at $759,000 median — $454,900 less than Kailua, HI's $1,213,900. WYLT rates Honolulu, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Kailua, HI as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Honolulu, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Kailua, HI has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Honolulu, HI has Low flood risk and Kailua, HI has Low flood risk.
Honolulu, HI is the more walkable neighborhood. Honolulu, HI scores 38/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Kailua, HI's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Kailua, HI has the higher school rating — Honolulu, HI rates 8/10 and Kailua, HI rates 8.2/10.
| Category | Honolulu, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $759K ✓ Lower price | $1.21M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $86K | $122K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 38/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ Better transit | 24/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 12 min ✓ Shorter commute | 45 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8/10 | 8.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Urban lifestyleFood loversYoung professionals | Young families seeking quality schoolsBeach lovers and outdoor enthusiastsRemote workers who value scenic surroundings |
Bottom line
If you're a young professional or student looking for an urban lifestyle, Honolulu's 96813 area might be more suitable due to its proximity to amenities and decent public transportation. If you're a family seeking quality schools and a suburban setting with a beach lifestyle, Kailua could be a better fit, despite its higher cost of living and less accessibility. However, both areas will be challenging for singles or couples on a tight budget.
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