Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kilauea?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kilauea, you need to earn at least $111,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $85,227, which means the typical resident is $25,773 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,386

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,942	$6,473	$77,680	$-7,547
1 Bedroom	$2,303	$7,677	$92,120	+$6,893
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,775	$9,250	$111,000	+$25,773
3 Bedroom	$3,386	$11,287	$135,440	+$50,213
4 Bedroom	$4,163	$13,877	$166,520	+$81,293

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$85,227

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$111,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$25,773

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 39.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kilauea's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,131

Studio

$1,942/mo

1 BR

$2,303/mo

2 BR

$2,775/mo

3 BR

$3,386/mo

4 BR

$4,163/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kilauea

Housing in Kilauea, Hawaii is significantly stretched for median-income residents. The $25,773 gap between what a typical household earns ($85,227) and what a 2-bedroom demands ($111,000) means most renters are spending well above the recommended 30% threshold.

If you're relocating to Kilauea, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,942–$2,303/month) unless your income exceeds $111,000. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,388/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Kilauea is approximately $166,500. 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 Kilauea, Hawaii.

With a total population of 3,386, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,660 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $111,000 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

1,660

Active civilian employees in Kilauea

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kilauea

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kilauea under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $111,000. The median household income in Kilauea is $85,227.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kilauea on $85,227?

The affordability verdict for Kilauea is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 39.1%, meaning there's a $25,773 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Kilauea is $2,303/month. With a median household income of $85,227, residents spend approximately 39.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kilauea?

A studio in Kilauea rents for approximately $1,942/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $77,680 to afford this.

Is Kilauea considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $25,773 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Kilauea is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $111,000 to the local median household income.

How Kilauea Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements