Average Rent in Kauai County, HI↓ Rents falling 10.0% YoY

Kauai County, HI has rental prices ranging from $1,597/month to $3,324/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,625/month — 16% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $93,612/year, spending $1,625/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Kauai County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,135/month, Kauai County ranks #3 most expensive of the 7 cities tracked in Hawaii — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Kauai County Rental Market

The Kauai County, HI area has a population of about 73,610 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Kauai County, HI have fallen by $237/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $2,372 to $2,135. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kauai County, HI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $65,000. The local median household income of $93,612 exceeds that threshold by $28,612, making Kauai County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Kauai County, HI has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, 1.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Is Kauai County, HI Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Kauai County?

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

Living in Kauai County

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