Most rent-burdened cities in Hawaii
Cities in Hawaii ranked by highest rent as a percentage of median household income. Cities with 15,000+ residents.
Key findings
- Kihei ranks first, with rent at 42.3% of median household income.
- Across all 8 cities on this list, the median rent is $3,092/mo.
Data as of September 2026. Twelve months of median rent as a share of Census median household income (5-year estimates). Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)
Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordableMost expensiveRent fallingRent risingBest rent/incomeMost rent-burdenedRecord-high rentSeasonal swingsRent vs. income
8 cities
| Rank | City | Rent/income | Median rent | Income | Vs. a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | KiheiHI | 42.3% | $3,092/mo | $87,772 | same |
| 02 | WailukuHI | 37.3% | $3,202/mo | $102,942 | same |
| 03 | KaneoheHI | 34.8% | $3,645/mo | $125,613 | same |
| 04 | WaipahuHI | 33.4% | $2,892/mo | $103,895 | ↑1 from #5 |
| 05 | KapoleiHI | 33.2% | $3,547/mo | $128,324 | ↓1 from #4 |
| 06 | WahiawaHI | 32.1% | $2,332/mo | $87,143 | same |
| 07 | HiloHI | 31.2% | $2,129/mo | $81,779 | -- |
| 08 | Pearl CityHI | 24.6% | $2,422/mo | $118,112 | ↓1 from #7 |