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City Report · HI

Wahiawa

Pop. 17,996·18th most expensive in Hawaii·Wahiawa rents are up 13.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,385/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.4%
Month-over-Month
+4.4%
vs US Median
+$420
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Wahiawa · $2,385
More expensive than 76% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
29/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% above what Wahiawa's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,385/mo
Expected by trend
$2,155/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Wahiawa's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,140
1 BR
$2,320
2 BR
$3,040
3 BR
$4,260
4 BR+
$5,100
Research median
$3,040/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
$28,620/yr
At $2,385/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.4% YoY, +4.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Wahiawa, HI is roughly split between renters and owners, 22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,996
Median income
$87,143
Median age
38.8
Renters
46.5%
Age distribution
22.6%
20.1%
24.8%
14.1%
18.3%
Under 1822.6%
18–3420.1%
35–5424.8%
55–6414.1%
65+18.3%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
13.6%
40.9%
31.5%
White11%
Black3%
Hispanic13.6%
Asian40.9%
Other31.5%
Education (25+)
36.6%
34.9%
22.1%
No HS diploma6.3%
HS diploma36.6%
Some college34.9%
Bachelor's+22.1%
Housing tenure
53.5%
46.5%
Owner53.5%
Renter46.5%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Wahiawa, HI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,826 → $2,385
up 30.6%
Income
$75,932 → $87,143
up 14.8%
Population
17,357 → 17,996
up 3.7%
Renter share
47.1% → 46.5%
-0.6 pts
Bachelor's+
23.9% → 22.1%
-1.8 pts
Median age
42.3 → 38.8
-3.5 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Wahiawa, HI has shifted from $1,826 to $2,385, up 30.6% since 2023. Census figures show median household income at $87,143 today, compared with $75,932 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Wahiawa, HI adding about 639 residents over the five-year window, up 3.7% on net. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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View Wahiawa rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Wahiawa on your salary?

At $2,385/mo, how Wahiawa rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Wahiawa rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Wahiawa

About renting in Wahiawa, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Wahiawa is $2,385/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,140/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,040/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,320/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,260/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($87,143/yr), Wahiawa ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Wahiawa an affordable city for renters?

Wahiawa is considered moderate for renters. At $2,385/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($87,143/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Wahiawa slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Wahiawa?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $95,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,385/mo in Wahiawa. The local median household income is $87,143/yr, meaning the typical Wahiawa household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Wahiawa?

Rent in Wahiawa has increased 13.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Wahiawa rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Wahiawa is one of the more affordable cities in Hawaii for rent, ranking #18 out of 21 tracked cities at $2,385/mo.

What percentage of Wahiawa residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.5% of Wahiawa households are renters, while 53.5% are owner-occupied. Wahiawa leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Wahiawa rent compare to the national average?

Wahiawa's median rent of $2,385/mo is $420 (21%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #18 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $2,385/mo, rent takes ~33% of Wahiawa's median household income ($87,143/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Wahiawa 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Wahiawa affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Wahiawa
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Wahiawa, HI

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