Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wailea?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailea, you need to earn at least $109,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $89,088, which means the typical resident is $19,992 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,517

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,909	$6,363	$76,360	$-12,728
1 Bedroom	$2,263	$7,543	$90,520	+$1,432
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,727	$9,090	$109,080	+$19,992
3 Bedroom	$3,327	$11,090	$133,080	+$43,992
4 Bedroom	$4,091	$13,637	$163,640	+$74,552

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$89,088

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$109,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$19,992

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 36.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wailea's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,227

Studio

$1,909/mo

1 BR

$2,263/mo

2 BR

$2,727/mo

3 BR

$3,327/mo

4 BR

$4,091/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wailea

Wailea's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $2,727/month requires $109,080/year — about $19,992 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Wailea, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,909–$2,263/month) unless your income exceeds $109,080. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,364/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Wailea is approximately $163,620. 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 Wailea, Hawaii.

With a total population of 6,517, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,025 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $109,080 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

3,025

Active civilian employees in Wailea

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wailea

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailea under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $109,080. The median household income in Wailea is $89,088.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wailea on $89,088?

The affordability verdict for Wailea is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 36.7%, meaning there's a $19,992 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Wailea is $2,263/month. With a median household income of $89,088, residents spend approximately 36.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wailea?

A studio in Wailea rents for approximately $1,909/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $76,360 to afford this.

Is Wailea considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $19,992 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Wailea is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $109,080 to the local median household income.

How Wailea Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements