Waimalu, HI

Very High · 153

Hawaii · Population 14,176 · Updated March 2026

$1,892
Median Rent / Month
$89,016
Median Income
$597,700
Median Home Value
$1,886
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waimalu

25.5%
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

$22,704
Annual Rent
$9,792
State Income Tax
$1,913
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waimalu has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 153 (where 100 equals the national median), Waimalu residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,892/month while earning a median household income of $89,016/year.

The median home value in Waimalu, HI is $597,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,886 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.5%, Waimalu 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 Waimalu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waimalu

What is the cost of living in Waimalu, HI?
The cost of living index in Waimalu, HI is 153 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,892, median household income is $89,016/year, and the median home value is $597,700.
Is Waimalu, HI affordable?
No, Waimalu is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 153. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waimalu, HI?
The median gross rent in Waimalu, HI is $1,892 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,704.
What is the median household income in Waimalu?
The median household income in Waimalu, HI is $89,016 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%.