What Salary Do You Need to Live in Poipu?
To afford a 2-bedroom in Poipu, you need to earn at least $108,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $134,028, which means the typical resident is $25,948 above the threshold.
Salary Required by Bedroom Size
| Bedroom | Monthly Rent | Monthly Income | Annual Salary | vs. Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,891 | $6,303 | $75,640 | $-58,388 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,243 | $7,477 | $89,720 | $-44,308 |
| 2 Bedroom BENCHMARK | $2,702 | $9,007 | $108,080 | $-25,948 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,296 | $10,987 | $131,840 | $-2,188 |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,053 | $13,510 | $162,120 | +$28,092 |
Affordability Breakdown
Where the required salary line crosses above Poipu's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.
Income vs. Rent Snapshot
Median Income
$134,028
Annual household
2BR Required Salary
$108,080
Under 30% rule
Income Gap
+$25,948
Surplus
Verdict
Affordable
Ratio: 24.2%
The 30% Rule Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Poipu
Pre-filled with Poipu's median household income
Studio
$1,891/mo
1 BR
$2,243/mo
2 BR
$2,702/mo
3 BR
$3,296/mo
4 BR
$4,053/mo
Salary Comparison by Bedroom
Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Poipu's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.
What This Means If You're Moving to Poipu
Poipu, Hawaii stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $134,028 significantly exceeds the $108,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $25,948 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.
For remote workers or relocators evaluating Poipu, a studio at $1,891/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $3,296/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $131,840.
To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $162,120 would position you well — though many residents in Poipu manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.
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 Poipu, Hawaii.
With a total population of 1,085, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 507 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $108,080 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
507
Active civilian employees in Poipu
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Poipu
What salary do I need to live in Poipu, Hawaii?
Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Poipu on $134,028?
What is the average rent in Poipu compared to median income?
What salary do I need for a studio in Poipu?
Is Poipu considered an affordable place to live?
How Poipu Compares
Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements