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
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.
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
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.