Kahului, HI

Very High · 164

Hawaii · Population 27,068 · Updated March 2026

$1,473
Median Rent / Month
$92,062
Median Income
$833,200
Median Home Value
$1,709
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kahului

19.2%
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

$17,676
Annual Rent
$10,127
State Income Tax
$2,666
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kahului has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 164 (where 100 equals the national median), Kahului residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,473/month while earning a median household income of $92,062/year.

The median home value in Kahului, HI is $833,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,709 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% 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 Kahului.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kahului

What is the cost of living in Kahului, HI?
The cost of living index in Kahului, HI is 164 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,473, median household income is $92,062/year, and the median home value is $833,200.
Is Kahului, HI affordable?
No, Kahului is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 164. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kahului, HI?
The median gross rent in Kahului, HI is $1,473 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,676.
What is the median household income in Kahului?
The median household income in Kahului, HI is $92,062 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%.