Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kihei?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kihei, you need to earn at least $91,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $89,892, which means the typical resident is $1,628 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 22,247

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,602	$5,340	$64,080	$-25,812
1 Bedroom	$1,899	$6,330	$75,960	$-13,932
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,288	$7,627	$91,520	+$1,628
3 Bedroom	$2,791	$9,303	$111,640	+$21,748
4 Bedroom	$3,432	$11,440	$137,280	+$47,388

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$89,892

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$91,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$1,628

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kihei's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,247

Studio

$1,602/mo

1 BR

$1,899/mo

2 BR

$2,288/mo

3 BR

$2,791/mo

4 BR

$3,432/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kihei

Renting in Kihei is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $1,628, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,602/month.

If you're relocating to Kihei, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,602–$1,899/month) unless your income exceeds $91,520. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,144/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Kihei is approximately $137,280. 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 Kihei, Hawaii.

With a total population of 22,247, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,164 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $91,520 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

12,164

Active civilian employees in Kihei

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kihei

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kihei under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $91,520. The median household income in Kihei is $89,892.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kihei on $89,892?

The affordability verdict for Kihei is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%, meaning there's a $1,628 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Kihei is $1,899/month. With a median household income of $89,892, residents spend approximately 30.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kihei?

A studio in Kihei rents for approximately $1,602/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $64,080 to afford this.

Is Kihei considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $1,628 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Kihei is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $91,520 to the local median household income.

How Kihei Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements