Rent Affordability for A Software Developer in Hawaii
A typical software developer in Hawaii earns about $149,159 a year, which supports approximately $3,729 a month in rent under the 30% rule. Below, every tracked Hawaii city is ranked by how local rent compares against that affordability ceiling.
As of May 2026. 20 of 22 cities tracked stay within the 30% rule; 2 are rent-burdened on this salary.
| City↕ | Median rent↕ | % of income↑ | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilo, HI | $2,088/mo | 16.8% | very comfortable |
| Waianae, HI | $2,339/mo | 18.8% | very comfortable |
| Wahiawa, HI | $2,440/mo | 19.6% | very comfortable |
| Keaau, HI | $2,465/mo | 19.8% | very comfortable |
| Pearl City, HI | $2,591/mo | 20.8% | affordable |
| Honolulu, HI | $2,678/mo | 21.5% | affordable |
| Aiea, HI | $2,758/mo | 22.2% | affordable |
| Waipahu, HI | $2,897/mo | 23.3% | affordable |
| Waialua, HI | $2,893/mo | 23.3% | affordable |
| Kailua Kona, HI | $2,961/mo | 23.8% | affordable |
| Mililani, HI | $3,078/mo | 24.8% | affordable |
| Kihei, HI | $3,182/mo | 25.6% | affordable |
| Lahaina, HI | $3,202/mo | 25.8% | affordable |
| Haleiwa, HI | $3,206/mo | 25.8% | affordable |
| Waikoloa, HI | $3,230/mo | 26% | affordable |
| Wailuku, HI | $3,288/mo | 26.5% | affordable |
| Kapolei, HI | $3,494/mo | 28.1% | affordable |
| Ewa Beach, HI | $3,547/mo | 28.5% | affordable |
| Kaneohe, HI | $3,593/mo | 28.9% | affordable |
| Haiku, HI | $3,725/mo | 30% | affordable |
| Kailua, HI | $4,015/mo | 32.3% | stretched |
| Makawao, HI | $4,039/mo | 32.5% | stretched |