Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wailua?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailua, you need to earn at least $90,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $67,258, which means the typical resident is $23,382 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,438

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,586	$5,287	$63,440	$-3,818
1 Bedroom	$1,881	$6,270	$75,240	+$7,982
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,266	$7,553	$90,640	+$23,382
3 Bedroom	$2,765	$9,217	$110,600	+$43,342
4 Bedroom	$3,399	$11,330	$135,960	+$68,702

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$67,258

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$90,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$23,382

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 40.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wailua's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,681

Studio

$1,586/mo

1 BR

$1,881/mo

2 BR

$2,266/mo

3 BR

$2,765/mo

4 BR

$3,399/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wailua

Wailua, Hawaii is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $67,258 faces a staggering $23,382 deficit against the $90,640 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Wailua, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,586/month, which requires $63,440/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$1,133/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Hawaii city.

To live comfortably in Wailua without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $135,960 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Hawaii's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Wailua, Hawaii.

With a total population of 2,438, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,084 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $90,640 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

1,084

Active civilian employees in Wailua

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wailua

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailua under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $90,640. The median household income in Wailua is $67,258.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wailua on $67,258?

The affordability verdict for Wailua is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 40.4%, meaning there's a $23,382 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Wailua is $1,881/month. With a median household income of $67,258, residents spend approximately 40.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wailua?

A studio in Wailua rents for approximately $1,586/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $63,440 to afford this.

Is Wailua considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $23,382 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Wailua is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $90,640 to the local median household income.

How Wailua Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements