Cost of Living in Kalawao County, Hawaii

$1,300/mo

Median Monthly Rent

23% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,300/mo

23% below state average

Median Home Value

N/A

Rent-to-Income Ratio

25.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Kalawao County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Kalawao County$1,300/mo

Hawaii Average$1,688/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,300/mo

Median Gross Rent

N/A

Median Home Value

N/A

Monthly Owner Cost

25.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Kalawao County, Hawaii

Kalawao punches above national affordability

Kalawao County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks well below the national norm, with median household income of $86,250 comfortably supporting modest rents of just $1,300 per month. This small, tight-knit community on Molokai offers some of Hawaii's most affordable housing relative to income.

Hawaii's most affordable county overall

Kalawao County leads all Hawaiian counties with an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio—substantially below Hawaii's 22.1% state average. Its combination of reasonable rents ($1,300) and solid median income ($86,250) makes it the state's housing affordability champion.

Kalawao rents undercut most island neighbors

Kalawao's $1,300 median rent is the lowest in Hawaii, undercutting Hawaii County by $111 and all other counties by wider margins. This remote Molokai community trades urban amenities for genuine housing affordability—a rare advantage in the islands.

Only 18% of income spent on rent

Kalawao residents spend just 18.1% of their $86,250 median household income on rent—approximately $1,300 monthly. Owner-occupied housing data is limited for this small county, but the rental market clearly demonstrates the most tenant-friendly affordability in the state.

Kalawao: Hawaii's affordability sweet spot

If housing affordability is your top priority in Hawaii, Kalawao County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,300 median rent are unmatched. The trade-off is geographic isolation on Molokai, but for those embracing a quieter island lifestyle, the financial math works in your favor.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Kalawao County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

18.1%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,013

per month

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio18.1%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kalawao County, Hawaii?

Kalawao County, Hawaii has a median monthly rent of $1,300/mo and a median home value of N/A. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 25.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Kalawao County?

The median gross rent in Kalawao County is $1,300/mo. This is 23% below state average for Hawaii.

Is Kalawao County affordable?

Kalawao County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Kalawao County's rent compare to the state average?

Kalawao County's median rent of $1,300/mo is 23% below state average of $1,688/mo for Hawaii.

What is the median home value in Kalawao County?

The median home value in Kalawao County, Hawaii is N/A.