Cost of Living in Kahului, HI
Population 27,068 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Kahului run well above the national baseline, with a median of $833,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $92,062 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros.
Located 95 miles east of Urban Honolulu, Kahului is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Urban Honolulu's $834,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kahului
The median home value in Kahului is $833,200 — 173% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,473/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,062/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 86.1°F and lows of 68.1°F. Overall, Kahului has a cost of living index of 209 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 109% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 82 | 82 | 83 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 89 | 86 | 83 |
| Low °F | 64 | 64 | 65 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 71 | 70 | 68 | 66 |
| Precip" | 2.42 | 2.00 | 2.64 | 1.32 | 0.71 | 0.17 | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.45 | 0.83 | 1.81 | 2.80 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kahului, HI?
Kahului has a cost index of 209 (100 = national average). It is 109% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kahului, HI?
The median gross rent in Kahului is $1,473 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kahului?
The median home value in Kahului is $833,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kahului?
The median household income in Kahului is $92,062 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kahului, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kahului is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Kahului, HI affordable?
Kahului is above average in cost of living, with an index of 209 — about 109% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Kahului?
Kahului has average high temperatures of 86.1°F and average lows of 68.1°F. Annual precipitation is 16.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kahului at a Glance
- Population
- 27,068
- Median Income
- $92,062
- Home Value
- $833,200
- Median Rent
- $1,473/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
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Hawaii Rankings
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