How much does it cost to rent in Kailua, HI?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Kailua, HI is $4,006. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Kailua cheaper than other Hawaii cities?

Kailua is one of the pricier cities in Hawaii, ranking #2 out of 21 cities tracked at $4,006/mo.

When was Kailua rent data last updated?

Kailua rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · HI

Kailua

Name: Average Rent Prices in Kailua, HI
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

·2nd most expensive in Hawaii·Kailua rents are up 12.4% over the past year

Median rent (all units)

$4,006/mo

Year-over-Year

+12.4%

Month-over-Month

+2.7%

vs US Median

+$2,041

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Kailua · $4,006

More expensive than 98% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

29/100

Overpriced

OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent

$4,006/mo

Expected by trend

$3,631/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Kailua's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$2,580

1 BR

$2,810

2 BR

$3,680

3 BR

$5,160

4 BR+

$6,180

Research median

$3,680/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

$48,072/yr

At $4,006/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 12.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (+12.4% YoY, +2.7% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

2021 vs 2026

How Kailua, HI has changed in 5 years

Rent

$2,757 → $4,006

up 45.3%

Since 2021, the typical rent in Kailua, HI has increased from $2,757 to $4,006, a 45.3% change over five years. Taken together, the five-year picture in Kailua, HI reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

Discussions about Kailua

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View Kailua rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Kailua on your salary?

At $4,006/mo, how Kailua rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $102,038/yr · Rent = 47.1% income

rent-burdened

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $72,446/yr · Rent = 66.4% income

severely rent-burdened

Police Officer

Avg $83,452/yr · Rent = 57.6% income

severely rent-burdened

Software Developer

Avg $149,159/yr · Rent = 32.2% income

stretched

Lawyer

Avg $190,588/yr · Rent = 25.2% income

affordable

Firefighter

Avg $67,835/yr · Rent = 70.9% income

severely rent-burdened

Truck Driver

Avg $61,247/yr · Rent = 78.5% income

severely rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $75,492/yr · Rent = 63.7% income

severely rent-burdened

By apartment size

Kailua rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kailua

About renting in Kailua, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kailua is $4,006/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,580/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,680/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,810/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $5,160/mo.

At 67% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Kailua ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 12.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua an affordable city for renters?

Kailua is considered expensive for renters. At $4,006/mo, rent takes approximately 67% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kailua significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Kailua?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $160,000/year (~$77/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,006/mo in Kailua.

Is rent going up or down in Kailua?

Rent in Kailua has increased 12.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Kailua rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Kailua is one of the pricier cities in Hawaii for rent, ranking #2 out of 21 tracked cities at $4,006/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kailua?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kailua ($4,006/mo): Pearl City ($2,599/mo), Honolulu ($2,660/mo), Aiea ($2,718/mo).

How does Kailua rent compare to the national average?

Kailua's median rent of $4,006/mo is $2,041 (104%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #2 out of 21 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

67%

EXPENSIVE

At $4,006/mo, rent takes ~67% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kailua 67%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1.4–11%

Run the Kailua affordability calculator →

Nearby cities