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Cost of Living in Kauai County

Is it better to rent or buy in Kauai County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$96,786
$1,886/mo

Median in area: $1,886

$877,813

Median in area: $877,813

$175,563

If you Rent

$2,121 /mo
Base Rent$1,886
Est. Utilities$235
% of Income26.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,945

If you Buy

$5,069 /mo
P&I (6.808%)$4,582
Taxes & Ins$252
Est. Utilities$235
% of Income62.8%
Pre-tax Residual$2,997

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Kauai County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Kauai County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,121, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,069 per month (a difference of $2,948).

How much do utilities cost in Kauai County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Kauai County is approximately $235. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Kauai County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Kauai County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $84,840 per year.