East Honolulu, HI

Very High · 271

Hawaii · Population 50,961 · Updated March 2026

$3,249
Median Rent / Month
$158,398
Median Income
$1,172,300
Median Home Value
$2,771
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in East Honolulu

24.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Hawaii

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

11.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
0.32%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$38,988
Annual Rent
$17,424
State Income Tax
$3,751
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

East Honolulu has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 271 (where 100 equals the national median), East Honolulu residents can expect to pay median rent of $3,249/month while earning a median household income of $158,398/year.

The median home value in East Honolulu, HI is $1,172,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,771 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Hawaii's top income tax rate of 11.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.32% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in East Honolulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in East Honolulu

What is the cost of living in East Honolulu, HI?
The cost of living index in East Honolulu, HI is 271 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $3,249, median household income is $158,398/year, and the median home value is $1,172,300.
Is East Honolulu, HI affordable?
No, East Honolulu is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 271. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in East Honolulu, HI?
The median gross rent in East Honolulu, HI is $3,249 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $38,988.
What is the median household income in East Honolulu?
The median household income in East Honolulu, HI is $158,398 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a top income tax rate of 11.0%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.32%.