Waipahu, HI

Very High · 169

Hawaii · Population 39,871 · Updated March 2026

$1,585
Median Rent / Month
$98,633
Median Income
$835,400
Median Home Value
$1,780
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waipahu

19.3%
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

$19,020
Annual Rent
$10,850
State Income Tax
$2,673
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waipahu has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 169 (where 100 equals the national median), Waipahu residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,585/month while earning a median household income of $98,633/year.

The median home value in Waipahu, HI is $835,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,780 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% 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 Waipahu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waipahu

What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI?
The cost of living index in Waipahu, HI is 169 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,585, median household income is $98,633/year, and the median home value is $835,400.
Is Waipahu, HI affordable?
No, Waipahu is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 169. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waipahu, HI?
The median gross rent in Waipahu, HI is $1,585 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,020.
What is the median household income in Waipahu?
The median household income in Waipahu, HI is $98,633 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%.