Cost of Living in Kauai County, Hawaii
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kauai County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kauai County ranks #1,582 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kauai County, Hawaii
Kauai's rent burden mirrors national strain
Kauai County's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national norm, despite a median household income of $93,612 that's 25% above the U.S. average. Monthly rent of $1,810 reflects the island's tourism economy and limited housing supply.
Second-most expensive county in Hawaii
Kauai County ranks second from last among Hawaii's counties for affordability, with a 23.2% rent-to-income ratio above the state average of 22.1%. Only Honolulu's 23.6% ratio exceeds Kauai's burden, making the Garden Isle a pricey destination for renters.
Kauai rents steeper than most counties
Kauai's $1,810 median rent exceeds Hawaii County and Kalawao but trails Honolulu and Maui slightly. Despite the island's smaller population and rural character, housing costs rival those of more urbanized counties—a reflection of limited inventory and strong vacation-home demand.
Nearly a quarter of income toward housing
Kauai residents dedicate 23.2% of their $93,612 median household income—roughly $1,810 monthly—to rent alone. Homeownership runs similarly steep at $1,834 per month, with median home values of $817,900 placing ownership beyond many locals' reach despite reasonable incomes.
Kauai: beautiful but budget-demanding
Kauai's scenic beauty and slower pace come at a housing cost nearly matching Honolulu's affordability squeeze, despite its smaller size. If you're considering the Garden Isle, ensure your household income can comfortably absorb the 23.2% housing burden plus Kauai's higher cost of living overall.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kauai County
Affordability Verdict
Kauai County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,810/month — about 23.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,810/month rent versus $1,834/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $24/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $72,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $78,600/year. With a median household income of $93,612, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Kauai County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Maui County where rent averages $1,863/month, Kauai County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kauai County
Rent Burden
23.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,184
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.5%
of gross income
The median home in Kauai County may be a stretch
Median home value is $817,900. Estimated monthly cost: $6,530 vs. your max of $2,184.
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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