Cost of Living in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI
Population 21,851 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) run well above the national baseline, with a median of $649,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $86,743 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros.
Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) lies roughly 165 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County)
The median home value in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is $649,400 — 113% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,747/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,743/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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%. Overall, Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI?
Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI?
The median gross rent in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is $1,747 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County)?
The median home value in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is $649,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County)?
The median household income in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is $86,743 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI affordable?
Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.
Kailua CDP (Hawaii County) at a Glance
- Population
- 21,851
- Median Income
- $86,743
- Home Value
- $649,400
- Median Rent
- $1,747/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
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