Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kapaa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kapaa, you need to earn at least $88,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $87,895, which means the typical resident is $265 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,846

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,543	$5,143	$61,720	$-26,175
1 Bedroom	$1,829	$6,097	$73,160	$-14,735
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,204	$7,347	$88,160	+$265
3 Bedroom	$2,689	$8,963	$107,560	+$19,665
4 Bedroom	$3,306	$11,020	$132,240	+$44,345

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Kapaa's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$87,895

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$88,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$265

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Kapaa

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kapaa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,197

Studio

$1,543/mo

1 BR

$1,829/mo

2 BR

$2,204/mo

3 BR

$2,689/mo

4 BR

$3,306/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Kapaa.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Kapaa's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kapaa

Renting in Kapaa is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $265, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,543/month.

If you're relocating to Kapaa, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,543–$1,829/month) unless your income exceeds $88,160. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,102/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Kapaa is approximately $132,240. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Kapaa, Hawaii.

With a total population of 10,846, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,830 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $88,160 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

5,830

Active civilian employees in Kapaa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kapaa

What salary do I need to live in Kapaa, Hawaii?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kapaa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $88,160. The median household income in Kapaa is $87,895.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kapaa on $87,895?

The affordability verdict for Kapaa is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.1%, meaning there's a $265 income gap.

What is the average rent in Kapaa compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Kapaa is $1,829/month. With a median household income of $87,895, residents spend approximately 30.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kapaa?

A studio in Kapaa rents for approximately $1,543/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $61,720 to afford this.

Is Kapaa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $265 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Kapaa is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $88,160 to the local median household income.

How Kapaa Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements