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City Report · HI

Honolulu

·16th most expensive in Hawaii·Honolulu rents are up 7.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,660/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.3%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
+$695
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Honolulu · $2,660
More expensive than 83% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
37/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% above what Honolulu's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,660/mo
Expected by trend
$2,501/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Honolulu's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,953
1 BR
$2,122
2 BR
$2,780
3 BR
$3,896
4 BR+
$4,669
Research median
$2,780/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$31,920/yr
At $2,660/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.3% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Honolulu, HI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,050 → $2,660
up 29.8%

Across the past five years, the going rent in Honolulu, HI has shifted from $2,050 to $2,660, up 29.8% since 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Honolulu, HI look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Honolulu rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Honolulu on your salary?

At $2,660/mo, how Honolulu rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Honolulu rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Honolulu. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Honolulu

About renting in Honolulu, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Honolulu is $2,660/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,953/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,780/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,122/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,896/mo.

At 44% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Honolulu ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Honolulu an affordable city for renters?

Honolulu is considered stretched for renters. At $2,660/mo, rent takes approximately 44% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Honolulu significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Honolulu?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $106,000/year (~$51/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,660/mo in Honolulu.

Is rent going up or down in Honolulu?

Rent in Honolulu has increased 7.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Honolulu neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Honolulu are 96826 ($2,026/mo), 96822 ($2,208/mo), and 96817 ($2,374/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Honolulu is $2,660/mo.

How does Honolulu rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Honolulu is one of the more affordable cities in Hawaii for rent, ranking #16 out of 21 tracked cities at $2,660/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Honolulu?

Pearl City is nearby and more affordable at $2,599/mo, which is $61 less than Honolulu.

How does Honolulu rent compare to the national average?

Honolulu's median rent of $2,660/mo is $695 (35%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #16 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
44%
STRETCHED

At $2,660/mo, rent takes ~44% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Honolulu 44%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Honolulu affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Honolulu, HI

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