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City Report · HI

Kailua Kona

·12th most expensive in Hawaii·Rents have been falling, good time to negotiate
Median rent (all units)
$2,961/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.9%
Month-over-Month
-13.8%
vs US Median
+$999
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kailua Kona · $2,961
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
49% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,961/mo, rent takes about 49% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$118,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Kailua Kona's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,850
1 BR
$1,900
2 BR
$2,440
3 BR
$3,180
4 BR+
$3,560
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,440/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,961 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$35,532/yr
At $2,961/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.9% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.9% YoY, -13.8% MoM), not inventory.
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View Kailua Kona rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Kailua Kona on your salary?

At $2,961/mo, how Kailua Kona rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Kailua Kona rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kailua Kona

About renting in Kailua Kona, HI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Kailua Kona is $2,961/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,850/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,440/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,900/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,180/mo.

At 49% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Kailua Kona ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua Kona an affordable city for renters?

Kailua Kona is considered stretched for renters. At $2,961/mo, rent takes approximately 49% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kailua Kona significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Kailua Kona?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $118,000/year (~$57/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,961/mo in Kailua Kona.

Is rent going up or down in Kailua Kona?

Rent in Kailua Kona has increased 2.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Kailua Kona rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Kailua Kona is middle-of-the-pack for Hawaii for rent, ranking #12 out of 21 tracked cities at $2,961/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kailua Kona?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kailua Kona ($2,961/mo): Hilo ($2,088/mo), Keaau ($2,465/mo).

How does Kailua Kona rent compare to the national average?

Kailua Kona's median rent of $2,961/mo is $999 (51%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #12 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
49%
STRETCHED

At $2,961/mo, rent takes ~49% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kailua Kona 49%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Kailua Kona affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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