Cost of Living in Pearl City, HI
Population 45,079 · Hawaii · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Pearl City sits 186% above the national median — $872,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $114,682 (54% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 9 miles northwest of Urban Honolulu, Pearl City falls within that metro's commuting orbit. 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 Pearl City
The median home value in Pearl City is $872,200 — 186% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,338/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,682/year is 54% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Pearl City has a cost of living index of 243 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 143% 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 Pearl City, HI?
Pearl City has a cost index of 243 (100 = national average). It is 143% above the national average.
What is average rent in Pearl City, HI?
The median gross rent in Pearl City is $2,338 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pearl City?
The median home value in Pearl City is $872,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pearl City?
The median household income in Pearl City is $114,682 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pearl City, HI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pearl City is 4.4%. The Hawaii state income tax top rate is 11.0%.
Is Pearl City, HI affordable?
Pearl City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 243 — about 143% higher than the national average.
Pearl City at a Glance
- Population
- 45,079
- Median Income
- $114,682
- Home Value
- $872,200
- Median Rent
- $2,338/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Sales Tax
- 4.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Hawaii Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs