Cost of Living in Kula, HI
Population 6,557 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kula's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 266% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $91,476 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 105 miles east of Urban Honolulu, Kula is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Urban Honolulu's $834,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kula
The median home value in Kula is $1,117,300 — 266% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,208/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $91,476/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Kula has a cost of living index of 287 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 187% more expensive.
Kula has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Kula, HI?
Kula has a cost index of 287 (100 = national average). It is 187% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kula, HI?
The median gross rent in Kula is $2,208 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kula?
The median home value in Kula is $1,117,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kula?
The median household income in Kula is $91,476 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kula, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kula is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Kula, HI affordable?
Kula is above average in cost of living, with an index of 287 — about 187% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Kula?
Kula 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.
Kula at a Glance
- Population
- 6,557
- Median Income
- $91,476
- Home Value
- $1,117,300
- Median Rent
- $2,208/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 86.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs