Studio Apartment Rent in Kailua Kona, HI
Median asking rent for a studio apartment in Kailua Kona, Hawaii as of July 2026. That's +46% lower than the citywide median of $3,433 and +43% above the national studio median of $1,290.
Income needed for a studio in Kailua Kona
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a studio at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Kailua Kona
Compare Kailua Kona's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a studio in Hawaii
Most expensive cities for a studio in Hawaii
Nearby cities — studio rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 5 of these cities have cheaper studio rents than Kailua Kona.
| City | Distance | Studio rent | vs Kailua Kona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waikoloa, HI | 11.4 mi | $2,010 | +$160 (+9%) |
| Hilo, HI | 47.9 mi | $1,520 | $-330 (-18%) |
| Keaau, HI | 64.9 mi | $1,320 | $-530 (-29%) |
| Kihei, HI | 75 mi | $2,010 | +$160 (+9%) |
| Makawao, HI | 78.7 mi | $1,720 | $-130 (-7%) |
| Wailuku, HI | 89.1 mi | $1,570 | $-280 (-15%) |
| Lahaina, HI | 92.1 mi | $1,910 | +$60 (+3%) |
| Honolulu, HI | 169.8 mi | $1,953 | +$103 (+6%) |
| Kailua, HI | 169.9 mi | $2,580 | +$730 (+39%) |
| Kaneohe, HI | 175.9 mi | $2,000 | +$150 (+8%) |
| Aiea, HI | 177 mi | $1,800 | $-50 (-3%) |
| Pearl City, HI | 180.3 mi | $1,950 | +$100 (+5%) |
Studio rent in Kailua Kona — common questions
How much is a studio apartment in Kailua Kona?
As of July 2026, the median studio apartment rent in Kailua Kona, Hawaii is $1,850 per month. This is +46% below the citywide median of $3,433.
What income do you need to afford a studio in Kailua Kona?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $74,000 ($6,167/month gross), which works out to roughly $35.58/hour at a full-time job.
Is Kailua Kona expensive for a studio compared to the rest of the US?
Kailua Kona's studio median of $1,850 is +43% above the national studio median of $1,290. It ranks in the 82th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Kailua Kona rank for studio rent in Hawaii?
Among the 21 cities in Hawaii with studio data, Kailua Kona ranks #8 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper studio options near Kailua Kona?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper studio rents include Hilo ($1,520), Keaau ($1,320), Makawao ($1,720).