Cost of Living in Kilauea, HI

Population 3,104 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023

243
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Kilauea run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $86,382 place the city among the better-paid Hawaii metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Kilauea lies roughly 115 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Urban Honolulu. Median home values run roughly 21% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 331
Rent 111

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

About the Cost of Living in Kilauea

The median home value in Kilauea is $1,011,000 — 231% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,453/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,382/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Kilauea has a cost of living index of 243 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 143% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,011,000
231% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,753,474
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,453/mo
11% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
58.0x
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 78.1%
Renter-occupied 21.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,453
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,067/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
22.1 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.0%
Carpooled
8.3%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
11.2%

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
$86,382
16% above avg
Per Capita Income
$39,982
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
47% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.9%
Labor Force Participation
62.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.2%
Graduate degree 11.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.4
Male median age 41.7
Female median age 45

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kilauea, HI?

Kilauea has a cost index of 243 (100 = national average). It is 143% above the national average.

What is average rent in Kilauea, HI?

The median gross rent in Kilauea is $1,453 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Kilauea?

The median home value in Kilauea is $1,011,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Kilauea?

The median household income in Kilauea is $86,382 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kilauea, HI?

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

Is Kilauea, HI affordable?

Kilauea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 243 — about 143% higher than the national average.

Kilauea at a Glance

Population
3,104
Median Income
$86,382
Home Value
$1,011,000
Median Rent
$1,453/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Sales Tax
4.4%
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