Cost of Living in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $12,088 per year — combining federal taxes with Hawaii's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($2,624/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $26,424, or roughly $2,202 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina metro has a cost of living index of 111.4 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 11% above average, Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina is a noticeably expensive metro — groceries, services, and everyday purchases cost more than in most of the country.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina represents approximately 45% of gross income. That is well above what most financial advisors recommend, indicating that Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina is a financial stretch at a $70,000 salary without roommates or a higher-earning household.