Cost of Living in Maui County, Hawaii
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Maui County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Maui County ranks #1,955 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Maui County, Hawaii
Maui rents strain even above-average incomes
Maui County's 23.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, even though its $95,076 median household income runs 27% above the U.S. average. Monthly rent of $1,863 reflects the islands' strong tourism economy and constrained housing supply.
Third-most expensive county statewide
Maui County ranks third from last among Hawaii's five counties for affordability, with a 23.5% rent-to-income ratio that tops the state average of 22.1%. Only Honolulu and Kauai counties impose greater housing burdens on their residents.
Maui rents compete with Kauai, Honolulu
Maui's $1,863 median rent nearly matches Kauai's $1,810 and trails Honolulu's $2,054, while exceeding Hawaii County and Kalawao considerably. This positioning reflects Maui's dual economy—resort tourism in Wailea and West Maui drives up all housing costs across the county.
Over a quarter of income for housing
Maui residents spend 23.5% of their $95,076 median household income—roughly $1,863 monthly—on rent, with homeownership even pricier at $2,025 per month. Median home values of $858,600 mean that purchasing requires either substantial savings or household incomes well above the $95,076 median.
Maui: premium island living with tradeoffs
Maui's beaches, culture, and amenities justify high housing costs for many, but the 23.5% rent-to-income ratio demands solid household incomes to make the move sustainable. Compare your income against Maui's $95,076 median and budget for the reality that nearly a quarter of earnings will go toward housing alone.
Cost of Living Advisory: Maui County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Maui County is affordable. The median rent is $1,863/month against a median household income of $95,076, putting rent at 23.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Maui County pay $1,863/month on average, compared to $2,025/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $74,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $86,786/year. With a median household income of $95,076, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Maui County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kauai County where rent averages $1,810/month, Maui County is approximately 3% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Maui County
Rent Burden
23.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,218
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.6%
of gross income
The median home in Maui County may be a stretch
Median home value is $858,600. Estimated monthly cost: $6,854 vs. your max of $2,218.
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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