Wahiawa, HI

Very High · 148

Hawaii · Population 17,515 · Updated March 2026

$1,443
Median Rent / Month
$86,883
Median Income
$716,800
Median Home Value
$1,560
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wahiawa

19.9%
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

$17,316
Annual Rent
$9,557
State Income Tax
$2,294
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wahiawa has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 148 (where 100 equals the national median), Wahiawa residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,443/month while earning a median household income of $86,883/year.

The median home value in Wahiawa, HI is $716,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,560 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% 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 Wahiawa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wahiawa

What is the cost of living in Wahiawa, HI?
The cost of living index in Wahiawa, HI is 148 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,443, median household income is $86,883/year, and the median home value is $716,800.
Is Wahiawa, HI affordable?
No, Wahiawa is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 148. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wahiawa, HI?
The median gross rent in Wahiawa, HI is $1,443 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,316.
What is the median household income in Wahiawa?
The median household income in Wahiawa, HI is $86,883 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%.