Kapaa, HI

Very High · 176

Hawaii · Population 10,886 · Updated March 2026

$1,997
Median Rent / Month
$89,440
Median Income
$821,500
Median Home Value
$1,625
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kapaa

26.8%
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

$23,964
Annual Rent
$9,838
State Income Tax
$2,629
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kapaa has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 176 (where 100 equals the national median), Kapaa residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,997/month while earning a median household income of $89,440/year.

The median home value in Kapaa, HI is $821,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,625 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.8%, Kapaa 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 Kapaa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kapaa

What is the cost of living in Kapaa, HI?
The cost of living index in Kapaa, HI is 176 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,997, median household income is $89,440/year, and the median home value is $821,500.
Is Kapaa, HI affordable?
No, Kapaa is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 176. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kapaa, HI?
The median gross rent in Kapaa, HI is $1,997 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,964.
What is the median household income in Kapaa?
The median household income in Kapaa, HI is $89,440 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%.