Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wailuku?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailuku, you need to earn at least $76,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $93,908, which means the typical resident is $17,468 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,590

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,338	$4,460	$53,520	$-40,388
1 Bedroom	$1,586	$5,287	$63,440	$-30,468
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,911	$6,370	$76,440	$-17,468
3 Bedroom	$2,331	$7,770	$93,240	$-668
4 Bedroom	$2,867	$9,557	$114,680	+$20,772

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$93,908

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$76,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,468

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wailuku's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,348

Studio

$1,338/mo

1 BR

$1,586/mo

2 BR

$1,911/mo

3 BR

$2,331/mo

4 BR

$2,867/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wailuku

Living in Wailuku is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,468 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Wailuku typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wailuku, a studio at $1,338/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,331/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $93,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $114,660 would position you well — though many residents in Wailuku 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 Wailuku, Hawaii.

With a total population of 16,590, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 8,021 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $76,440 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

8,021

Active civilian employees in Wailuku

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wailuku

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wailuku under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $76,440. The median household income in Wailuku is $93,908.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wailuku on $93,908?

The affordability verdict for Wailuku is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.4%, meaning median earners have a $17,468 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wailuku is $1,586/month. With a median household income of $93,908, residents spend approximately 24.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wailuku?

A studio in Wailuku rents for approximately $1,338/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $53,520 to afford this.

Is Wailuku considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,468 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wailuku is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $76,440 to the local median household income.

How Wailuku Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements