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City Report · HI

Waialua

Pop. 3,050·10th most expensive in Hawaii·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,407/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-5.7%
vs US Median
+$1,442
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Waialua · $3,407
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
46% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,407/mo, rent takes about 46% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$136,000/yr
Local median income
$88,269/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Waialua's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,100
1 BR
$2,280
2 BR
$2,990
3 BR
$4,190
4 BR+
$5,020
Research median
$2,990/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
$40,884/yr
At $3,407/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -5.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Waialua, HI is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
3,050
Median income
$88,269
Median age
49
Renters
36.1%
Age distribution
12.3%
19.3%
26.8%
15.4%
26.2%
Under 1812.3%
18–3419.3%
35–5426.8%
55–6415.4%
65+26.2%
Gender
47.2%
52.8%
Male47.2%
Female52.8%
Race & ethnicity
24.4%
12.8%
31.8%
31%
White24.4%
Hispanic12.8%
Asian31.8%
Other31%
Education (25+)
35%
31.9%
28.2%
No HS diploma4.9%
HS diploma35%
Some college31.9%
Bachelor's+28.2%
Housing tenure
63.9%
36.1%
Owner63.9%
Renter36.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Waialua, HI has changed in 5 years

Income
$76,744 → $88,269
up 15.0%
Population
3,222 → 3,050
down 5.3%
Renter share
41.1% → 36.1%
-5.0 pts
Bachelor's+
26.6% → 28.2%
+1.6 pts
Median age
40.8 → 49
+8.2 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Waialua, HI now reports about $88,269, up from $76,744 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 3,222 to 3,050 between 2021 and 2024, a 5.3% change. About 36.1% of households rent today, against 41.1% in 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Waialua on your salary?

At $3,407/mo, how Waialua rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Waialua rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Waialua

About renting in Waialua, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Waialua is $3,407/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,100/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,990/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,280/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,190/mo.

At 46% of local median household income ($88,269/yr), Waialua ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Waialua an affordable city for renters?

Waialua is considered stretched for renters. At $3,407/mo, rent takes approximately 46% of the local median household income ($88,269/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Waialua significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Waialua?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $136,000/year (~$65/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,407/mo in Waialua. The local median household income is $88,269/yr, meaning the typical Waialua household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Waialua?

Rent in Waialua has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does Waialua rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Waialua is middle-of-the-pack for Hawaii for rent, ranking #10 out of 21 tracked cities at $3,407/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Waialua?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Waialua ($3,407/mo): Waianae ($2,336/mo), Wahiawa ($2,385/mo), Waipahu ($2,876/mo).

What percentage of Waialua residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.1% of Waialua households are renters, while 63.9% are owner-occupied. Waialua leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Waialua rent compare to the national average?

Waialua's median rent of $3,407/mo is $1,442 (73%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #10 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
46%
STRETCHED

At $3,407/mo, rent takes ~46% of Waialua's median household income ($88,269/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Waialua 46%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Waialua affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Waialua, HI

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