Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Puako?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Puako, you need to earn at least $84,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $110,000, which means the typical resident is $25,680 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 294

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,476	$4,920	$59,040	$-50,960
1 Bedroom	$1,750	$5,833	$70,000	$-40,000
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,108	$7,027	$84,320	$-25,680
3 Bedroom	$2,572	$8,573	$102,880	$-7,120
4 Bedroom	$3,162	$10,540	$126,480	+$16,480

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$110,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$84,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$25,680

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Puako's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,750

Studio

$1,476/mo

1 BR

$1,750/mo

2 BR

$2,108/mo

3 BR

$2,572/mo

4 BR

$3,162/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Puako

Puako, Hawaii stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $110,000 significantly exceeds the $84,320 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $25,680 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Puako, a studio at $1,476/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,572/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $102,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $126,480 would position you well — though many residents in Puako 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 Puako, Hawaii.

With a total population of 294, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 85 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $84,320 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

Active civilian employees in Puako

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Puako

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Puako under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $84,320. The median household income in Puako is $110,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Puako on $110,000?

The affordability verdict for Puako is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%, meaning median earners have a $25,680 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Puako is $1,750/month. With a median household income of $110,000, residents spend approximately 23.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Puako?

A studio in Puako rents for approximately $1,476/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $59,040 to afford this.

Is Puako considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $25,680 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Puako is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $84,320 to the local median household income.

How Puako Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements