Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Waipahu, HI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 50.9% of gross income.
Waipahu rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Hawaii state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Hawaii cities have lower median rent than Waipahu, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waipahu
View full rent data for Waipahu, HI →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Waipahu, HI?
Median rent in Waipahu is $2,876 a month. A typical firefighter in Hawaii earns about $67,835 a year, which makes that rent 50.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Waipahu?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Hawaii (~$67,835/yr) supports up to $1,696 a month in rent. Waipahu's current median rent is $2,876/mo, which is $1,180/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Waipahu?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a firefighter in Hawaii works roughly 88.2 hours a month to cover Waipahu's median rent of $2,876.
Where is rent cheaper than Waipahu for a firefighter?
Nearby Hawaii cities with lower median rent include Mililani ($2,870/mo), Kaneohe ($2,868/mo), Kailua Kona ($2,866/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.