Rent in Kauai County, HI at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,332$27,984 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,105 (−9.7%)How much rent can you afford in Kauai County, HI?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Kauai County, HI by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,766 | $21,192 | $70,640 | $33.96/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,777 | $21,324 | $71,080 | $34.17/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,332 | $27,984 | $93,280 | $44.85/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,866 | $34,392 | $114,640 | $55.12/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,179 | $38,148 | $127,160 | $61.13/hr |
Cost of living in Kauai County, HI: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Kauai County, HI
Rent in Kauai County, HI: common questions
How much is rent going down in Kauai County, HI in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,105 for a two-bedroom, down 9.7% from $2,332. A one-bedroom goes from $1,777 to $1,609, a studio from $1,766 to $1,599.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Kauai County, HI?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,777 for a one-bedroom and $2,332 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $27,984 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Kauai County, HI?
To keep a $2,332 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $44.85 an hour, or $93,280 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,777 takes $34.17 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Kauai County, HI?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,766, one bedroom $1,777, two $2,332, three $2,866 and four $3,179 a month.
Is rent affordable in Kauai County, HI?
For the typical household, earning $97,668 a year ($8,139 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,332 takes 28.7% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,332 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $93,280. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $44.85 an hour.