Income Needed to Buy a Home in Hawaii (2026)
Verdict: severely unaffordable — requires $213,016/year (#1 least affordable of 51 US states)
Hawaii ranks #1 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $832,967 requires a household income of about $213,016. That's $112,271 more than the median household actually earns ($100,745) — a shortfall of 111% of typical income.
Hawaii's affordability ratio of 2.11 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 65.5% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 140.3% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.32% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $222, softening the total payment, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,296/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $4,970.
Hawaii monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $832,967 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $749,670 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $4,640 |
| Monthly property tax (0.32% rate) | $222 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $108 |
| Total monthly PITI | $4,970 |
| Required household income | $213,016 |
| Median household income | $100,745 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Hawaii compares
- California — similar affordability (ratio 2.10, requires $210,154)
- Massachusetts — similar affordability (ratio 1.77, requires $185,722)
- New York — similar affordability (ratio 1.76, requires $150,728)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Hawaii in 2026?
About $213,016 per year to afford the median-priced home of $832,967, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Hawaii household earns $100,745.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Hawaii?
Roughly $4,970 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Hawaii affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $112,271 (111%), ranking Hawaii #1 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.