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City Report · HI

Kailua Kona

·8th most expensive in Hawaii·Kailua Kona rents are up 20.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,433/mo
Year-over-Year
+20.2%
Month-over-Month
-6.0%
vs US Median
+$1,468
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kailua Kona · $3,433
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
57% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,433/mo, rent takes about 57% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$137,000/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
Research median
$2,440/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
$41,196/yr
At $3,433/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 20.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+20.2% YoY, -6.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Community

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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 $3,433/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: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kailua Kona is $3,433/mo as of July 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 57% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Kailua Kona ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 20.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua Kona an affordable city for renters?

Kailua Kona is considered expensive for renters. At $3,433/mo, rent takes approximately 57% 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 $137,000/year (~$66/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,433/mo in Kailua Kona.

Is rent going up or down in Kailua Kona?

Rent in Kailua Kona has increased 20.2% over the past year as of July 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 #8 out of 21 tracked cities at $3,433/mo.

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

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kailua Kona ($3,433/mo): Hilo ($2,095/mo), Keaau ($2,217/mo), Waikoloa ($3,230/mo).

How does Kailua Kona rent compare to the national average?

Kailua Kona's median rent of $3,433/mo is $1,468 (75%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #8 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
57%
EXPENSIVE

At $3,433/mo, rent takes ~57% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kailua Kona 57%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Kailua Kona affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Kailua Kona
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Kailua Kona, HI

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