Average Rent in Honolulu 2026
Honolulu Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,200
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,500
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Honolulu
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Honolulu renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $2,200 | $2,800 | $3,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $180 | $225 | $270 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $19 | $22 | $25 |
| Total monthly | $2,469 | $3,117 | $3,865 |
Utility estimates scale with Honolulu’s cost of living index (192). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Honolulu
192
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Honolulu's cost of living index is 192, which is 92% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Honolulu at a Glance
Population
345K
Median Income
$73,173
COL Index
192
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Honolulu?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Honolulu by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $2,200/mo | $88,000 | $42.31/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,800/mo | $112,000 | $53.85/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,500/mo | $140,000 | $67.31/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Honolulu at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Honolulu apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Honolulu |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Roommate required |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | Studio or roommate |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,400 in Honolulu — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Honolulu
Save $800/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,200
per month
Split 2BR
$1,400
per person/month
Annual Savings
$9,600
per year
Instead of paying $2,200 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,800) with one roommate brings your share to $1,400. That is $9,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Honolulu
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$2,200–$4,400
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$2,200
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$2,200
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Honolulu: $4,450–$8,800 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Honolulu
Honolulu, HI does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Honolulu Compares to Other US Cities
Honolulu sits well above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Honolulu
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Honolulu Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Honolulu rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Honolulu
Is Honolulu expensive to rent in?
Honolulu is among the most expensive U.S. rental markets, driven by limited land and high demand. A 1-bedroom averages $2,200 per month in 2026. Waikiki and Kaka'ako are premium areas, while Aiea and Pearl City offer more affordable alternatives.
How much income do you need to rent in Honolulu?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $7,333 per month ($88,000 annually) to afford an average $2,200/month 1-bedroom apartment in Honolulu.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Honolulu?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,800/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,400, saving $800 per month or $9,600 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Honolulu?
Renters in Honolulu typically pay about $180 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $19 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $269 on top of your $2,200 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Honolulu?
Most Honolulu landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $2,200 for a 1-bedroom at the Honolulu average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($4,400), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Honolulu affordable on the median household income?
Not comfortably. The median household income in Honolulu is $73,173 (about $6,098 per month), and the average 1-bedroom rent of $2,200 eats up about 36% of gross monthly income — well above the 30% rule. Many Honolulu renters split a 2-bedroom with a roommate or look for units in the city's cheaper neighborhoods to bring the share below 30%.
Explore the rest of the SplitGenius library
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Pillar Guide
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Topic Guide
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Topic Guide
First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need
Complete checklist for move-in costs, furniture, setup, and budgeting for your first place.
Pillar Guide
The Complete Guide to Ratio Calculations
Ratios, percentages, and fractions — how they connect and when to use each for any splitting decision.
Planning to rent in Honolulu?