Waimea, HI

Very High · 163

Hawaii · Population 10,242 · Updated March 2026

$2,039
Median Rent / Month
$89,268
Median Income
$652,900
Median Home Value
$1,881
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waimea

27.4%
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

$24,468
Annual Rent
$9,819
State Income Tax
$2,089
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waimea has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 163 (where 100 equals the national median), Waimea residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,039/month while earning a median household income of $89,268/year.

The median home value in Waimea, HI is $652,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,881 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.4%, Waimea 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 Waimea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waimea

What is the cost of living in Waimea, HI?
The cost of living index in Waimea, HI is 163 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,039, median household income is $89,268/year, and the median home value is $652,900.
Is Waimea, HI affordable?
No, Waimea is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 163. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waimea, HI?
The median gross rent in Waimea, HI is $2,039 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $24,468.
What is the median household income in Waimea?
The median household income in Waimea, HI is $89,268 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%.