Category / Metric	Kaneohe CDP	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$124,632	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$990,100	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$null	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,038	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	143.7	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.9	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	36.7%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	52

Los Angeles vs. Kaneohe CDP: The Ultimate Hawaii vs. Mainland Showdown

Welcome to the most confusing city comparison you'll see all day. On one side, you have Los Angeles: the sprawling, iconic, traffic-jammed beast of a city that dreams are made of (and sometimes crushed by). On the other, you have Kaneohe CDP, Hawaii: a lush, windward Oahu gem that feels like a perpetual vacation spot. But is it a place to actually live?

This isn't just a choice between a metropolis and a town. It's a choice between two completely different worlds. Let's cut through the hype and dive into the data to see where your next chapter should be written.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Hustle vs. Laid-Back Paradise

Los Angeles is the definition of a global powerhouse. It’s a city of infinite scale, where ambition meets sunshine. The vibe is energetic, fast-paced, and highly competitive. You’re trading space for opportunity, living in a 24/7 engine of entertainment, tech, and culture. It’s for the hustler, the dreamer, and anyone who thrives on the buzz of a massive, diverse metropolis. If your identity is tied to your career and you crave endless options for dining, nightlife, and career growth, LA is your playground.

Kaneohe is the antithesis of the big city. As a Census Designated Place (CDP) on Oahu’s lush windward coast, it’s arguably the most beautiful suburb in the world. Think emerald green Ko’olau Mountains, pristine bays, and a deep sense of local community. Life revolves around the ‘aina (land) and the ocean. It’s quieter, slower, and deeply connected to nature. This is for the person who prioritizes peace, family time, and outdoor living above all else. You’re not moving here for the hustle; you’re moving here for the aloha.

Verdict:

Winner for Hustlers & Creatives: Los Angeles

Winner for Peace-Seekers & Nature Lovers: Kaneohe

The Dollar Power: Can You Afford Paradise?

Let’s get real—the "sticker shock" is real in both places, but for very different reasons. We’re comparing a world-class city to a unique island community, and the numbers tell a fascinating story.

First, let's lay out the raw data:

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Kaneohe, HI	The Takeaway
Median Income	$79,701	$124,632	Kaneohe residents earn 56% more on average.
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$990,100	Surprisingly similar, but Kaneohe is slightly cheaper.
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$2,038	Virtually identical—sticker shock is universal.
Housing Index	173.0 (Very High)	143.7 (Very High)	Both are expensive, but LA is 20% more expensive for housing.
Violent Crime (per 100k)	732.5	234.0	Kaneohe is 3x safer statistically.

The Purchasing Power War

This is where it gets interesting. You might think a higher income in Kaneohe means you're richer, but the math is tricky.

In Los Angeles: If you earn the median income of $79,701, your money gets stretched thin. After California's high state income tax (ranging from 1% to 13.3%), you're taking home significantly less. The Housing Index of 173.0 means housing costs are 73% higher than the national average. Your dollars are fighting an uphill battle against rent, gas, and general living expenses. You need a high salary just to feel "middle class."
In Kaneohe: With a median income of $124,632, you're starting from a stronger position. Hawaii also has a high state income tax (1.4% to 11%), but the key here is the Housing Index of 143.7. While still high, it's notably lower than LA's. More importantly, the violent crime rate of 234.0 is a massive quality-of-life win. You're paying similar rent for a dramatically safer environment.

Insight: A $100,000 salary in Kaneohe will give you a higher standard of living and more safety for your dollar than the same salary in LA. However, Kaneohe’s higher median income suggests that the local economy (often tied to military, healthcare, and tourism) pays better for the specific jobs available there. In LA, you have a higher ceiling for earnings in fields like tech and entertainment, but the floor is also much lower.

The Tax Twist: Both California and Hawaii have high income taxes. This isn't a "dealbreaker" differentiator. The real financial difference is in the value you get for your housing dollar and the safety you receive.

Verdict:

Winner for Purchasing Power: Kaneohe. Higher median income relative to slightly lower housing costs and drastically lower crime.

Winner for Career Earnings Ceiling: Los Angeles. If you're in a field with explosive growth potential, LA's scale is unmatched.

The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting

Los Angeles: The Endless Grind

The LA housing market is a seller's market on steroids. With a median home price of over $1 million, buying is a monumental challenge for anyone not already on the property ladder. Inventory is chronically low, and bidding wars are common. Renting is the default for most young professionals and families, but you're paying premium prices for often cramped spaces. The competition is fierce, and the commute from more affordable suburbs (like the Inland Empire) adds hours to your week.

Kaneohe: The Unique Island Market

Kaneohe's market is also a seller's market, but with a different flavor. The median home price is slightly lower than LA's, but that number is deceptive. The real issue is inventory. There is very little land to build on, and the community is protective of its character. Buying a home here is less about bidding wars and more about patience and connections. Renting is equally challenging, with similar prices to LA but in a much smaller pool of available units. The "competition" here is less about money and more about availability.

The Bottom Line: In both cities, buying is a high-barrier endeavor. Renting is the practical choice for newcomers, but don't expect a bargain. Kaneohe offers a slightly better entry point price-wise, but LA offers far more inventory and options across a wider geographic range.

Verdict:

Winner for Renters (More Options): Los Angeles

Winner for Buyers (Slightly Better Entry): Kaneohe (though the market is tight)

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Los Angeles: This is the city's infamous dealbreaker. The average commute is a soul-crushing 30+ minutes, with traffic jams that can turn a 10-mile trip into an hour-long ordeal. Public transit exists but is not as comprehensive as in older East Coast cities. Car ownership is non-negotiable.
Kaneohe: Traffic exists, but it's a different beast. The primary choke point is the Likelike Highway to Honolulu. It can get congested during rush hour, but it's manageable compared to LA's sprawling gridlock. Most errands are within a short drive. The trade-off is that you're on an island—everything you need is here, but everything outside Kaneohe requires planning.

Weather

Los Angeles: The data point of 54.0°F is misleading—that's likely a yearly average low. LA's weather is famously Mediterranean: warm, dry summers and mild, damp winters. It's comfortable year-round, but you'll deal with smog, occasional heatwaves, and the Santa Ana winds.
Kaneohe: While the data says "N/A°F," the reality is idyllic. We're talking 75-85°F year-round with gentle trade winds. It's consistently perfect. However, it's also consistently humid, and rain is frequent on the windward side. There's no "season" to break the monotony. For many, this is paradise; for others, it can feel monotonous.

Crime & Safety

Los Angeles: The violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100k is sobering. It's a reality of big city living. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, you must be vigilant. Property crime is also high. Your sense of security will vary drastically by zip code.
Kaneohe: With a violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100k, Kaneohe is statistically three times safer than Los Angeles. This is a massive, tangible difference in daily peace of mind. It’s a place where kids can play outside and doors are often left unlocked—a rarity in major American cities.

Verdict:

Winner for Commute: Kaneohe (Less congestion, shorter distances)

Winner for Weather Consistency: Kaneohe (Perfect temps, but humid)

Winner for Safety: Kaneohe (By a landslide)

The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the definitive breakdown.

👑 Winner for Families

Kaneohe, HI
For families, safety, community, and outdoor space are king. Kaneohe delivers in spades. The crime rate is low, there are stunning parks and beaches for kids to explore, and the school system, while not the focus of this data, is generally strong in this part of Oahu. The higher median income helps buffer the cost of living. The biggest challenge is the insular nature of island life and the high cost of goods, but for a stable, nature-centric family life, it’s hard to beat.

👑 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Los Angeles, CA
If you're in your 20s or 30s and your career is your priority, LA is the undisputed champion. The sheer scale of networking, job opportunities, entertainment, and social scenes is unmatched. You can find your tribe, whatever it is. The cost is high and the commute is brutal, but that's the price of admission for playing in the big leagues. Kaneohe, by contrast, can feel isolating and limited for a young single person seeking variety and buzz.

👑 Winner for Retirees

Kaneohe, HI
This is Kaneohe's sweet spot. Retirees often prioritize safety, a slower pace of life, and natural beauty over career opportunities. Kaneohe offers a peaceful, scenic environment perfect for enjoying retirement. The weather is ideal for an active outdoor lifestyle. While the cost of living is high, many retirees arrive with savings or pensions, and the lack of state tax on Social Security benefits (though other taxes are high) can be a factor. LA's traffic, noise, and urban intensity are generally less appealing in retirement.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Los Angeles, CA

Pros:

Unmatched Career Opportunities: A global hub for entertainment, tech, and business.
Cultural Melting Pot: Incredible diversity in food, art, and people.
Endless Entertainment: World-class museums, concerts, sports, and nightlife.
Weather: Generally pleasant and sunny year-round.

Cons:

Brutal Traffic & Long Commutes: A major drain on time and sanity.
Extreme Cost of Living: High rent, taxes, and everyday expenses.
High Crime Rates: Requires vigilance and careful neighborhood selection.
Competitive & Stressful: The "hustle" culture can be exhausting.

Kaneohe, HI