Cost of Living in East Kapolei, HI

Population 6,200 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

206
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in East Kapolei sits 144% above the national median — $744,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $116,339 (56% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 13 miles west of Urban Honolulu, East Kapolei falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 244
Rent 148

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in East Kapolei

The median home value in East Kapolei is $743,600 — 144% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,947/month, 48% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,339/year is 56% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Hawaii's top state income tax rate is 11.0% and the combined sales tax is 4.4%. The climate averages highs of 84.9°F and lows of 69.1°F. Overall, East Kapolei has a cost of living index of 206 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 106% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$743,600
144% above avg
Median Rent
$1,947/mo
48% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.3%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,597
1 BR
$1,625
2 BR
$2,135
3 BR
$2,810
4 BR
$3,324
Owner-occupied 48.9%
Renter-occupied 51.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,947
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,561/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.9 min
29% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.9%
Carpooled
24.6%
Public transit
1.8%
Work from home
4.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 11.0%
Total Sales Tax 4.4%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.3%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$116,339
56% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,826
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
41% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Labor Force Participation
76.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.3%
Graduate degree 6.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 27.8
Male median age 28.6
Female median age 27.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
84.9°F
Avg Low
69.1°F
Annual Precip
13.9"
60° 68° 75° 83° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 818182848587888989878482
Low °F 656566686971737372726967
Precip" 1.361.791.950.630.970.270.290.620.671.301.772.29

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 31 — Good
92.3%
Good air days/yr
117
Max AQI recorded
187
PM2.5 days
174
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Kapolei, HI?

East Kapolei has a cost index of 206 (100 = national average). It is 106% above the national average.

What is average rent in East Kapolei, HI?

The median gross rent in East Kapolei is $1,947 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Kapolei?

The median home value in East Kapolei is $743,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Kapolei?

The median household income in East Kapolei is $116,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Kapolei, HI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Kapolei is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.

Is East Kapolei, HI affordable?

East Kapolei is above average in cost of living, with an index of 206 — about 106% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in East Kapolei?

East Kapolei has average high temperatures of 84.9°F and average lows of 69.1°F. Annual precipitation is 13.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

East Kapolei at a Glance

Population
6,200
Median Income
$116,339
Home Value
$743,600
Median Rent
$1,947/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Avg High Temp
84.9°F
Sales Tax
4.4%
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