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City Report · HI

Waianae

Pop. 12,918·19th most expensive in Hawaii·Waianae rents are up 10.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,336/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.5%
Month-over-Month
+4.3%
vs US Median
+$371
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Waianae · $2,336
More expensive than 74% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
33/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% above what Waianae's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,336/mo
Expected by trend
$2,158/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Waianae's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,660
1 BR
$1,800
2 BR
$2,360
3 BR
$3,310
4 BR+
$3,960
Research median
$2,360/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
$28,032/yr
At $2,336/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.5% YoY, +4.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Waianae, HI is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,918
Median income
$81,733
Median age
37.7
Renters
33.3%
Age distribution
26.8%
19.8%
25.1%
16.4%
Under 1826.8%
18–3419.8%
35–5425.1%
55–6411.9%
65+16.4%
Gender
48.8%
51.2%
Male48.8%
Female51.2%
Race & ethnicity
14.2%
67.2%
White8.5%
Black1%
Hispanic14.2%
Asian9%
Other67.2%
Education (25+)
48.9%
28.5%
13.2%
No HS diploma9.3%
HS diploma48.9%
Some college28.5%
Bachelor's+13.2%
Housing tenure
66.7%
33.3%
Owner66.7%
Renter33.3%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Waianae, HI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,867 → $2,336
up 25.1%
Income
$71,681 → $81,733
up 14.0%
Population
14,152 → 12,918
down 8.7%
Renter share
37.5% → 33.3%
-4.2 pts
Bachelor's+
14.4% → 13.2%
-1.2 pts
Median age
34.5 → 37.7
+3.2 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Waianae, HI has shifted from $1,867 to $2,336, up 25.1% since 2023. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $71,681 in 2021 to $81,733 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Waianae, HI losing about 1,234 residents over the five-year window, down 8.7% on net. The renter share has eased from 37.5% to 33.3%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Waianae, HI market of 2023.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Waianae on your salary?

At $2,336/mo, how Waianae rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Waianae rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Waianae

About renting in Waianae, HI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Waianae is $2,336/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,660/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,360/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,310/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($81,733/yr), Waianae ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Waianae an affordable city for renters?

Waianae is considered moderate for renters. At $2,336/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($81,733/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Waianae slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Waianae?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $93,000/year (~$45/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,336/mo in Waianae. The local median household income is $81,733/yr, meaning the typical Waianae household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Waianae?

Rent in Waianae has increased 10.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Waianae rent compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Waianae is one of the more affordable cities in Hawaii for rent, ranking #19 out of 21 tracked cities at $2,336/mo.

What percentage of Waianae residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.3% of Waianae households are renters, while 66.7% are owner-occupied. Waianae leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Waianae rent compare to the national average?

Waianae's median rent of $2,336/mo is $371 (19%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Hawaii, it ranks #19 out of 21 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $2,336/mo, rent takes ~34% of Waianae's median household income ($81,733/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Waianae 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–11%
Run the Waianae affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Waianae
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Waianae, HI

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