Average Rent in Urban Honolulu, HI↑ Rents rising 12.5% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,003,666
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in HIlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Urban Honolulu
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Urban HonoluluSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in HISee how Urban Honolulu ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Urban HonoluluSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋HI Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections