Average Rent in Honolulu 2026
The average rent in Honolulu, HI is $2,200 for a 1-bedroom, $2,800 for a 2-bedroom, and $3,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Honolulu is 92% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $88,000.
Honolulu Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,200
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,500
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$2,200/mo rent
$88,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,800/mo rent
$112,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$3,500/mo rent
$140,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Honolulu?