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Cost of Living in Lihue

Is it better to rent or buy in Lihue? 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.

$92,284
$2,034/mo

Median in area: $2,034

$876,951

Median in area: $876,951

$175,390

If you Rent

$2,264 /mo
Base Rent$2,034
Est. Utilities$230
% of Income29.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,426

If you Buy

$5,066 /mo
P&I (6.843%)$4,594
Taxes & Ins$242
Est. Utilities$230
% of Income65.9%
Pre-tax Residual$2,625

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Lihue?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Lihue. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,264, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,066 per month (a difference of $2,802).

How much do utilities cost in Lihue?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Lihue is approximately $230. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Lihue?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Lihue without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $90,560 per year.