Waianae, HI

Above Avg · 115

Hawaii · Population 12,907 · Updated March 2026

$1,307
Median Rent / Month
$84,766
Median Income
$487,200
Median Home Value
$1,369
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waianae

18.5%
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

$15,684
Annual Rent
$9,324
State Income Tax
$1,559
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waianae is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 115 (where 100 equals the national median), Waianae residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,307/month while earning a median household income of $84,766/year.

The median home value in Waianae, HI is $487,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,369 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% 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 Waianae.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waianae

What is the cost of living in Waianae, HI?
The cost of living index in Waianae, HI is 115 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,307, median household income is $84,766/year, and the median home value is $487,200.
Is Waianae, HI affordable?
No, Waianae is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 115. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waianae, HI?
The median gross rent in Waianae, HI is $1,307 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,684.
What is the median household income in Waianae?
The median household income in Waianae, HI is $84,766 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%.