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City Report · HI

Pearl City

Pop. 44,547·17th most expensive in Hawaii·Pearl City rents are up 16.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,599/mo
Year-over-Year
+16.3%
Month-over-Month
+6.6%
vs US Median
+$634
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Pearl City · $2,599
More expensive than 82% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
31/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 9% above what Pearl City's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,599/mo
Expected by trend
$2,375/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Pearl City's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,950
1 BR
$2,120
2 BR
$2,780
3 BR
$3,900
4 BR+
$4,670
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
$31,188/yr
At $2,599/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 16.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+16.3% YoY, +6.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Pearl City, HI is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 39% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
44,547
Median income
$118,112
Median age
45.8
Renters
28.5%
Age distribution
18%
19.2%
23.9%
26.9%
Under 1818%
18–3419.2%
35–5423.9%
55–6412%
65+26.9%
Gender
50.4%
49.6%
Male50.4%
Female49.6%
Race & ethnicity
55.2%
26.4%
White10.2%
Black1.8%
Hispanic6.3%
Asian55.2%
Other26.4%
Education (25+)
24.9%
30.5%
39%
No HS diploma5.6%
HS diploma24.9%
Some college30.5%
Bachelor's+39%
Housing tenure
71.5%
28.5%
Owner71.5%
Renter28.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Pearl City, HI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,806 → $2,599
up 43.9%
Income
$108,772 → $118,112
up 8.6%
Population
45,941 → 44,547
down 3.0%
Renter share
29.4% → 28.5%
-0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
36.3% → 39%
+2.7 pts
Median age
43.9 → 45.8
+1.9 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Pearl City, HI has increased from $1,806 to $2,599, a 43.9% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $108,772 in 2021 to $118,112 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 3.0% since 2021, moving from about 45,941 residents to roughly 44,547. College-educated residents now make up 39% of adults here, versus 36.3% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Pearl City, HI market of 2023.

Community

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View Pearl City rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Pearl City on your salary?

At $2,599/mo, how Pearl City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Pearl City rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Pearl City

About renting in Pearl City, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Pearl City is $2,599/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,950/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,780/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,120/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,900/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($118,112/yr), Pearl City ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 16.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Pearl City an affordable city for renters?

Pearl City is considered affordable for renters. At $2,599/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($118,112/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Pearl City falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Pearl City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $104,000/year (~$50/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,599/mo in Pearl City. The local median household income is $118,112/yr, meaning the typical Pearl City household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Pearl City?

Rent in Pearl City has increased 16.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Pearl City rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Pearl City is one of the more affordable cities in Hawaii for rent, ranking #17 out of 21 tracked cities at $2,599/mo.

What percentage of Pearl City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 28.5% of Pearl City households are renters, while 71.5% are owner-occupied. Pearl City leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Pearl City rent compare to the national average?

Pearl City's median rent of $2,599/mo is $634 (32%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #17 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,599/mo, rent takes ~26% of Pearl City's median household income ($118,112/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Pearl City 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Pearl City affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Pearl City
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Pearl City, HI

Recent submissions

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