Cost of Living in Kalawao County
via CostByCounty
Kalawao punches above national affordability
Kalawao County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% ranks well below the national norm, with median household income of $86,250 comfortably supporting modest rents of just $1,300 per month. This small, tight-knit community on Molokai offers some of Hawaii's most affordable housing relative to income.
Hawaii's most affordable county overall
Kalawao County leads all Hawaiian counties with an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio—substantially below Hawaii's 22.1% state average. Its combination of reasonable rents ($1,300) and solid median income ($86,250) makes it the state's housing affordability champion.
Kalawao rents undercut most island neighbors
Kalawao's $1,300 median rent is the lowest in Hawaii, undercutting Hawaii County by $111 and all other counties by wider margins. This remote Molokai community trades urban amenities for genuine housing affordability—a rare advantage in the islands.
Only 18% of income spent on rent
Kalawao residents spend just 18.1% of their $86,250 median household income on rent—approximately $1,300 monthly. Owner-occupied housing data is limited for this small county, but the rental market clearly demonstrates the most tenant-friendly affordability in the state.
Kalawao: Hawaii's affordability sweet spot
If housing affordability is your top priority in Hawaii, Kalawao County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,300 median rent are unmatched. The trade-off is geographic isolation on Molokai, but for those embracing a quieter island lifestyle, the financial math works in your favor.