Cost of Living in Kahaluu, HI

Population 5,282 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

301
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Kahaluu run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.2 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $128,661 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros.

Kahaluu sits roughly 9 miles north of Urban Honolulu — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 39% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 381
Rent 180

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

About the Cost of Living in Kahaluu

The median home value in Kahaluu is $1,162,000 — 281% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,368/month, 80% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $128,661/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, above 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 81.1°F and lows of 72.1°F. Overall, Kahaluu has a cost of living index of 301 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 201% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,162,000
281% above avg
Median Rent
$2,368/mo
80% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
40.9x
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 64.7%
Renter-occupied 35.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,368
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,982/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
36.7 min
36% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.0%
Carpooled
9.7%
Public transit
4.8%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
17.0%

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
$128,661
73% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,807
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
17% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Labor Force Participation
63.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.9%
Graduate degree 16.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 45.8
Female median age 43.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
81.1°F
Avg Low
72.1°F
Annual Precip
27.8"
Annual Snowfall
0"
60° 68° 75° 83° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 797878808182838484838179
Low °F 686969717274757576757370
Precip" 2.813.163.621.621.321.271.311.421.502.583.683.53

💨 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 Kahaluu, HI?

Kahaluu has a cost index of 301 (100 = national average). It is 201% above the national average.

What is average rent in Kahaluu, HI?

The median gross rent in Kahaluu is $2,368 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Kahaluu?

The median home value in Kahaluu is $1,162,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Kahaluu?

The median household income in Kahaluu is $128,661 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kahaluu, HI?

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

Is Kahaluu, HI affordable?

Kahaluu is above average in cost of living, with an index of 301 — about 201% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Kahaluu?

Kahaluu has average high temperatures of 81.1°F and average lows of 72.1°F. Annual precipitation is 27.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Kahaluu at a Glance

Population
5,282
Median Income
$128,661
Home Value
$1,162,000
Median Rent
$2,368/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
81.1°F
Sales Tax
4.4%
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