Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Waipio?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waipio, you need to earn at least $102,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $99,815, which means the typical resident is $2,225 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 11,138

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,786	$5,953	$71,440	$-28,375
1 Bedroom	$2,117	$7,057	$84,680	$-15,135
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,551	$8,503	$102,040	+$2,225
3 Bedroom	$3,112	$10,373	$124,480	+$24,665
4 Bedroom	$3,827	$12,757	$153,080	+$53,265

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$99,815

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$102,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,225

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Waipio's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,495

Studio

$1,786/mo

1 BR

$2,117/mo

2 BR

$2,551/mo

3 BR

$3,112/mo

4 BR

$3,827/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Waipio

Renting in Waipio is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,225, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,786/month.

If you're relocating to Waipio, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,786–$2,117/month) unless your income exceeds $102,040. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,276/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Waipio is approximately $153,060. 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 Waipio, Hawaii.

With a total population of 11,138, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,598 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $102,040 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

5,598

Active civilian employees in Waipio

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Waipio

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waipio under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $102,040. The median household income in Waipio is $99,815.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Waipio on $99,815?

The affordability verdict for Waipio is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.7%, meaning there's a $2,225 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Waipio is $2,117/month. With a median household income of $99,815, residents spend approximately 30.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Waipio?

A studio in Waipio rents for approximately $1,786/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $71,440 to afford this.

Is Waipio considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,225 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Waipio is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $102,040 to the local median household income.

How Waipio Compares

Other cities in Hawaii with salary requirements