Wailuku, HI

Very High · 166

Hawaii · Population 15,754 · Updated March 2026

$1,747
Median Rent / Month
$93,958
Median Income
$781,700
Median Home Value
$1,714
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wailuku

22.3%
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

$20,964
Annual Rent
$10,335
State Income Tax
$2,501
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wailuku has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 166 (where 100 equals the national median), Wailuku residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,747/month while earning a median household income of $93,958/year.

The median home value in Wailuku, HI is $781,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,714 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% 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 Wailuku.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wailuku

What is the cost of living in Wailuku, HI?
The cost of living index in Wailuku, HI is 166 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,747, median household income is $93,958/year, and the median home value is $781,700.
Is Wailuku, HI affordable?
No, Wailuku is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 166. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wailuku, HI?
The median gross rent in Wailuku, HI is $1,747 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,964.
What is the median household income in Wailuku?
The median household income in Wailuku, HI is $93,958 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%.