Hawaii · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Kalawao County, HI

The median household in Kalawao County, HI earns $73,750 a year ($6,146/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,492/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $99,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.4% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$73,750$6,146 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,492HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)109.4+9.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate52.7¢per kWh · EIA Residential HI
Census Population67Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Kalawao County, HI

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,492Monthly market rent
Share of gross income40.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$99,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,844At 30% of $73,750
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Kalawao County, HI

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Kalawao County, HI HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Kalawao County, HI
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,801$21,612$72,04029.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,899$22,788$75,96030.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,492$29,904$99,68040.5%
3-Bedroom Home$3,227$38,724$129,08052.5%
4-Bedroom Home$4,024$48,288$160,96065.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Kalawao County, HI →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Kalawao County, HI

Based on the local median household income of $73,750/year ($6,146/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,073/moRent ($2,492 2-BR), utilities (~$474/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,844/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 109.4 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,229/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Hawaii

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Hawaii state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$73,750
$25,000$150,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$73,750
Net 77%
Fed 10%
HI 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$56,912After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,743Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,189Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate22.8%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$7,395 / yr
Hawaii state income tax$3,801 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,642 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Hawaii with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Kalawao County, HI

What is the median household income in Kalawao County, HI?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Kalawao County, HI is $73,750 per year (approximately $6,146 per month).

What is the average rent in Kalawao County, HI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Kalawao County, HI are $1,801 for a studio, $1,899 for 1 bedroom, $2,492 for 2 bedrooms, $3,227 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,024 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Kalawao County, HI compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Kalawao County, HI is 109.4 (9.4% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Kalawao County, HI?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,492/month) in Kalawao County, HI requires a minimum gross household income of $99,680 per year ($8,307 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Kalawao County, HI?

For a typical household earning the median income of $73,750/year ($6,146/month) in Kalawao County, HI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,073/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,844/month to discretionary spending, and $1,229/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Kalawao County, HI?

Residential electricity rates in Hawaii average 52.7¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $474 per month.