RentData

Average Rent in Urban Honolulu, HI↓ Rents falling 3.8% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,003,666

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

Market Overview

Urban Honolulu, HI has rental prices ranging from $1,836/month to $4,249/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,951/month — 39% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $104,264/year, spending $1,951/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Urban Honolulu Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,542/month, Urban Honolulu ranks #2 most expensive of the 7 cities tracked in Hawaii — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Urban Honolulu Rental Market

The Urban Honolulu, HI area has a population of about 1,003,666 and 41% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Urban Honolulu, HI have fallen by $100/month (3.8%) over the past year, from $2,642 to $2,542. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Urban Honolulu, HI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $78,040. The local median household income of $104,264 exceeds that threshold by $26,224, making Urban Honolulu relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,836
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,951
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,542
↓3.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$3,520
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$4,249
Expensive
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Is Urban Honolulu, 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
$101,680/year
Local median income: $104,264
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,542/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in HIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Hawaii County$1,605$1,615$2,081$2,620—
Kahului$1,850$2,030$2,656$3,351—
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 Urban Honolulu?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Urban Honolulu data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$2,542/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $2,542/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Urban Honolulu

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Urban Honolulu

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Urban Honolulu

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in HI

See how Urban Honolulu ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Urban Honolulu

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

📋HI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections