Kailua vs Urban Honolulu: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kailua, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,902▲ | $73,810 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.53▲ | $35.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,864 | $44,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,209 | $54,999▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,596 | $164,027▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,548 | $164,043▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Kailua and Urban Honolulu are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kailua and Urban Honolulu is $92 (0.12%). Kailua's median is -11.30% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kailua spans $71,684,Urban Honolulu spans $119,932. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($66,519 effective) pays 7.38% more than Kailua ($61,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,902/year)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,043)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,519)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Kailua grew -44.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.5% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kailua, HI
$123,821 (2024) → $69,184 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$78,120 (2021) → $69,098 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kailua, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Kailua or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kailua and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kailua to Urban Honolulu as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Kailua vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov