Performance
Score Breakdown
Kapolei
Las Cruces
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Las Cruces is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
164% higher compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kapolei's average rent is
220% higher than Las Cruces's.
| Metric | Kapolei | Las Cruces | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,420 | $1,068 | +220% |
| Groceries | $459 | $450 | +2% |
| Utilities | $396 | $198 | +100% |
| Transport | $200 | $120 | +67% |
| Healthcare | $759 | $150 | +406% |
| Monthly Total | $5,234 | $1,986 | +164% |
| Cost Index | 151 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Las Cruces offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Las Cruces delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kapolei is estimated at
$85,000 vs $64,000 in Las Cruces.
| Metric | Kapolei | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,510 | $52,790 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $64,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,801 idx | 58,011 idx |
| Household Income | $128,324 | $55,422 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kapolei | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 4.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Las Cruces has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
For walkability, Kapolei leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kapolei | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 34.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Las Cruces is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x 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 | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,844 | 116,998 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.49% | 0.99% |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 33.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 4.50% |
| 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.
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kapolei
#48Hawaii, 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
Las Cruces
#21New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
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