RentData

Average Rent in Urban Honolulu, HI Rents rising 12.5% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,003,666

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Urban Honolulu, HI has rental prices ranging from $1,887/month to $4,512/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,052/month — 47% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $104,264/year, spending $2,052/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Urban Honolulu Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,687/month, Urban Honolulu ranks #1 most expensive of the 7 cities tracked in Hawaii — pricier than 100% 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 risen by $299/month (12.5%) over the past year, from $2,388 to $2,687. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

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 $82,080. The local median household income of $104,264 exceeds that threshold by $22,184, making Urban Honolulu relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,887
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$2,052
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,687
12.5% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$3,765
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$4,512
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
$107,480/year
Local median income: $104,264
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,687/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in HIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Hawaii County$1,575$1,612$2,075$2,703
Kahului$1,750$1,762$2,309$3,103
Maui County$1,186$1,335$1,675$2,416
Kauai County$1,597$1,625$2,135$2,810
Kalawao County$1,186$1,335$1,675$2,416
Kalawao County$1,339$1,370$1,797$2,325

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
$2,687/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: $2,687/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

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💵Rent Affordability in Urban Honolulu

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in HI

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⚖️Compare Urban Honolulu

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📋HI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections