Cost of Living in Honolulu County, Hawaii
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Honolulu County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Honolulu County ranks #1,845 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Honolulu County, Hawaii
Honolulu strains household budgets nationwide
Honolulu County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, despite a median household income of $104,264—40% higher than the U.S. average. At $2,054 per month for median gross rent, Honolulu residents pay significantly more just to secure housing.
Most expensive rental market in Hawaii
Honolulu County ranks last among Hawaii's five counties for affordability, with a 23.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average of 22.1%. Its $2,054 median monthly rent towers over the state median of $1,688, driven by the urban density and tourism economy of Oahu.
Honolulu rents dwarf other island counties
Honolulu's $2,054 median rent is 46% higher than Hawaii County ($1,411) and 10-15% costlier than Maui or Kauai counties. Even Honolulu's $104,264 median household income barely cushions the blow—renters and buyers here face the steepest affordability challenges in the state.
Nearly a quarter of income goes to rent
Honolulu residents allocate 23.6% of their $104,264 median household income—roughly $2,054 monthly—to rent alone. Homeownership costs even more at $2,236 per month, with median home values of $873,000 placing ownership out of reach for many despite above-average incomes.
Honolulu: premium pricing for island access
Honolulu's high rents and home values reflect its role as Hawaii's urban center, but they demand household incomes well above the $104,264 median to achieve true affordability. If you're considering Oahu, carefully calculate whether your income can sustain the 23.6% housing burden plus other island-specific expenses.
Cost of Living Advisory: Honolulu County
Affordability Verdict
Honolulu County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $2,054/month — about 23.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Honolulu County is $2,054/month, while owner costs run $2,236/month. Renting saves approximately $182/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $82,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $95,829/year. With a median household income of $104,264, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Honolulu County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Maui County where rent averages $1,863/month, Honolulu County is approximately 10% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Honolulu County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,433
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.7%
of gross income
The median home in Honolulu County may be a stretch
Median home value is $873,000. Estimated monthly cost: $6,969 vs. your max of $2,433.
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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