RentData

Average Rent in Kahului, HI↑ Rents rising 1.2% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 164,675

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Kahului, HI has rental prices ranging from $1,850/month to $4,143/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,030/month — 45% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $95,049/year, spending $2,030/month on a 1-bedroom represents 26% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Kahului Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,656/month, Kahului ranks #1 most expensive of the 7 cities tracked in Hawaii — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Kahului Rental Market

The Kahului, HI area has a population of about 164,675 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Kahului, HI have risen by $32/month (1.2%) over the past year, from $2,624 to $2,656. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kahului, HI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $81,200. The local median household income of $95,049 exceeds that threshold by $13,849, making Kahului relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Kahului, HI is $1,006,867, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 31.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 32 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,850
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$2,030
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,656
↑1.2% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$3,351
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$4,143
Expensive
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Kahului
▼
Median Home Value
$1,006,867
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$5,359/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Kahului, HI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$106,240/year
Local median income: $95,049
To buy a median home
$214,359/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,656/month and 20% down on a $1,006,867 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in HIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Urban Honolulu$1,836$1,951$2,542$3,520—
Hawaii County$1,605$1,615$2,081$2,620—
Maui County$1,186$1,335$1,675$2,416—
Kauai County$1,599$1,609$2,105$2,588—
Kalawao County$1,339$1,370$1,797$2,325—
Kalawao County$1,621$1,778$2,326$2,932—

Rent or Buy in Kahului?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Kahului data

$
Home Value
$1,006,867
2BR Rent
$2,656/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$5,359/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $7,415/movs rent: $2,656/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $1,006,867 home at 7% rate

20% — $201,373
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$5,359
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$805,494
Total Paid
$1,929,229
Total Interest
$1,123,735
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Kahului

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Kahului

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Kahului

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Kahului

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in HI

See how Kahului ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Kahului

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋HI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections