Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pahala?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pahala, you need to earn at least $29,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,432, which means the typical resident is $30,272 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,897

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$510	$1,700	$20,400	$-39,032
1 Bedroom	$605	$2,017	$24,200	$-35,232
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$729	$2,430	$29,160	$-30,272
3 Bedroom	$889	$2,963	$35,560	$-23,872
4 Bedroom	$1,094	$3,647	$43,760	$-15,672

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,432

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$30,272

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pahala's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,486

Studio

$510/mo

1 BR

$605/mo

2 BR

$729/mo

3 BR

$889/mo

4 BR

$1,094/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pahala

Pahala, Hawaii stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,432 significantly exceeds the $29,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $30,272 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Pahala, a studio at $510/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $889/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $35,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $43,740 would position you well — though many residents in Pahala 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 Pahala, Hawaii.

With a total population of 1,897, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 604 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,160 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

604

Active civilian employees in Pahala

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pahala

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pahala under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,160. The median household income in Pahala is $59,432.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pahala on $59,432?

The affordability verdict for Pahala is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.7%, meaning median earners have a $30,272 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Pahala is $605/month. With a median household income of $59,432, residents spend approximately 14.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pahala?

A studio in Pahala rents for approximately $510/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,400 to afford this.

Is Pahala considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $30,272 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Pahala is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,160 to the local median household income.

How Pahala Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements