Performance
Score Breakdown
Kapolei
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Akron is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
102% higher compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kapolei's average rent is
205% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Kapolei | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,420 | $1,123 | +205% |
| Groceries | $459 | $742 | -38% |
| Utilities | $396 | $234 | +69% |
| Transport | $200 | $357 | -44% |
| Healthcare | $759 | $130 | +484% |
| Monthly Total | $5,234 | $2,586 | +102% |
| Cost Index | 151 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 36% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kapolei is estimated at
$85,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Kapolei | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,510 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,801 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $128,324 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kapolei | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
Kapolei scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kapolei | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kapolei | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,844 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.49% | % |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kapolei
#55Hawaii, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
Akron
#106Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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