Cost of Living in Kapolei, HI
Population 23,033 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kapolei's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $721,000 for a typical home, 136% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $129,260 that put it in the upper third of the state. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Kapolei sits roughly 14 miles west of Urban Honolulu — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kapolei
The median home value in Kapolei is $720,600 — 136% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,507/month, 91% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,260/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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 84.9°F and lows of 69.1°F. Overall, Kapolei has a cost of living index of 218 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 118% 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 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 87 | 84 | 82 |
| Low °F | 65 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 69 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 69 | 67 |
| Precip" | 1.36 | 1.79 | 1.95 | 0.63 | 0.97 | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.62 | 0.67 | 1.30 | 1.77 | 2.29 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kapolei, HI?
Kapolei has a cost index of 218 (100 = national average). It is 118% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kapolei, HI?
The median gross rent in Kapolei is $2,507 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kapolei?
The median home value in Kapolei is $720,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kapolei?
The median household income in Kapolei is $129,260 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kapolei, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kapolei is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Kapolei, HI affordable?
Kapolei is above average in cost of living, with an index of 218 — about 118% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Kapolei?
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.
Kapolei at a Glance
- Population
- 23,033
- Median Income
- $129,260
- Home Value
- $720,600
- Median Rent
- $2,507/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 84.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs