Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Makawao?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Makawao, you need to earn at least $87,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $109,385, which means the typical resident is $22,345 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 7,704

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,523	$5,077	$60,920	$-48,465
1 Bedroom	$1,806	$6,020	$72,240	$-37,145
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,176	$7,253	$87,040	$-22,345
3 Bedroom	$2,655	$8,850	$106,200	$-3,185
4 Bedroom	$3,264	$10,880	$130,560	+$21,175

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$109,385

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$87,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,345

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Makawao's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,735

Studio

$1,523/mo

1 BR

$1,806/mo

2 BR

$2,176/mo

3 BR

$2,655/mo

4 BR

$3,264/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Makawao

Makawao, Hawaii stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $109,385 significantly exceeds the $87,040 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,345 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Makawao, a studio at $1,523/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,655/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $106,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $130,560 would position you well — though many residents in Makawao manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Makawao, Hawaii.

With a total population of 7,704, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,646 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $87,040 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

3,646

Active civilian employees in Makawao

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Makawao

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Makawao under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $87,040. The median household income in Makawao is $109,385.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Makawao on $109,385?

The affordability verdict for Makawao is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%, meaning median earners have a $22,345 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Makawao is $1,806/month. With a median household income of $109,385, residents spend approximately 23.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Makawao?

A studio in Makawao rents for approximately $1,523/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $60,920 to afford this.

Is Makawao considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,345 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Makawao is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $87,040 to the local median household income.

How Makawao Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements