Cost of Living in Hawaii County, Hawaii
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hawaii County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hawaii County ranks #1,844 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County beats national affordability
At 21.9%, Hawaii County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national median, making it the most affordable county in the state relative to household earnings. The median household income here is $77,215—just 3% higher than the U.S. average of $74,755—yet rents stay modest at $1,411 per month compared to national norms.
Most affordable rental market in Hawaii
Hawaii County ranks first among the state's five counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% versus Hawaii's 22.1% average. This narrow advantage comes from lower median rents ($1,411 vs. state average of $1,688) despite mid-range household incomes.
Cheaper than Honolulu, pricier than Kalawao
Hawaii County's median rent of $1,411 undercuts Honolulu County ($2,054) and Maui County ($1,863) by significant margins, though it costs slightly more than Kalawao County's $1,300. Among the Big Island's comparable communities, this county offers a middle ground between island affordability and urban pricing.
Rent costs 22% of Hawaii County income
Hawaii County residents spend roughly 21.9% of their $77,215 median household income on rent alone—about $1,411 per month. Homeownership is slightly cheaper at $1,196 monthly, though the median home value of $486,400 requires substantial upfront capital compared to renting.
Hawaii County: affordable island living
If you're weighing island life against mainland costs, Hawaii County offers competitive rental rates and reasonable home values for Hawaii. Compare your household income against the $77,215 median and the 21.9% rent benchmark to see if island relocation pencils out for your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hawaii County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hawaii County is affordable. The median rent is $1,411/month against a median household income of $77,215, putting rent at 21.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hawaii County is $1,411/month, while owner costs run $1,196/month. Owning saves approximately $215/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,257/year. With a median household income of $77,215, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Hawaii County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Hawaii County sits 9% more expensive than Kalawao County ($1,300/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hawaii County
Rent Burden
21.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,802
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
The median home in Hawaii County may be a stretch
Median home value is $486,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,883 vs. your max of $1,802.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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