Cost of Living in Kapaa, HI
Population 10,886 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Kapaa sits 169% above the national median — $822,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $89,440 (20% 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 1.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Kapaa lies roughly 110 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu. 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 Kapaa
The median home value in Kapaa is $821,500 — 169% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,997/month, 52% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,440/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, 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, Kapaa has a cost of living index of 222 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 122% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kapaa, HI?
Kapaa has a cost index of 222 (100 = national average). It is 122% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kapaa, HI?
The median gross rent in Kapaa is $1,997 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kapaa?
The median home value in Kapaa is $821,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kapaa?
The median household income in Kapaa is $89,440 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kapaa, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kapaa is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Kapaa, HI affordable?
Kapaa is above average in cost of living, with an index of 222 — about 122% higher than the national average.
Kapaa at a Glance
- Population
- 10,886
- Median Income
- $89,440
- Home Value
- $821,500
- Median Rent
- $1,997/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
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