Honolulu, HI

Very High · 175

Hawaii · Population 346,323 · Updated March 2026

$1,783
Median Rent / Month
$85,428
Median Income
$834,100
Median Home Value
$1,809
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Honolulu

25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

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

$21,396
Annual Rent
$9,397
State Income Tax
$2,669
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Honolulu has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 175 (where 100 equals the national median), Honolulu residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,783/month while earning a median household income of $85,428/year.

The median home value in Honolulu, HI is $834,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,809 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, Honolulu falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

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 Honolulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Honolulu

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI?
The cost of living index in Honolulu, HI is 175 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,783, median household income is $85,428/year, and the median home value is $834,100.
Is Honolulu, HI affordable?
No, Honolulu is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 175. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%—below the 30% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Honolulu, HI?
The median gross rent in Honolulu, HI is $1,783 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,396.
What is the median household income in Honolulu?
The median household income in Honolulu, HI is $85,428 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%.

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