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Rent vs Buy in Honolulu, HI

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Honolulu. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$895,000

Median Rent/Month

$2,800

Property Tax Rate

0.31%/yr

Avg Appreciation

3.8%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$895,000
20% ($179,000)
$2,800
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Honolulu, HI?

The decision to rent or buy in Honolulu, Hawaii depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $895,000 and median monthly rent of $2,800, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Honolulu has an average property tax rate of 0.31% annually, which adds approximately $231/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Honolulu have appreciated at roughly 3.8% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Honolulu Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $179,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $4,759/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $231/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $746/mo