Kailua-Kona, HI, US
Big Island's sunny Kona Coast with coffee farms, snorkeling, and volcanic landscapes.
Overview
Kailua-Kona is a city in HI with a population of 12,000. Big Island’s sunny Kona Coast with coffee farms, snorkeling, and volcanic landscapes. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 270 sunny days a year.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Kailua-Kona vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.2%
- Sales Tax: 4.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $65,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 12,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 70°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: $700,000
- 1BR Rent: $2200/mo
Cost of Living
Kailua-Kona's cost of living index is 180 (US average = 100).
| Category | Kailua-Kona | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 180 | 100 | +80.0% |
| Housing | 220 | 100 | +120.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $700,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $466 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kailua-Kona:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $342 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $101 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $75 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $85 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $633 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Kailua-Kona scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Kailua-Kona has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 90°F | 70°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 85°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 88°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Kailua-Kona faces the following natural hazards:
Volcanic and seismic activity on the Big Island.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Islands affected by hurricanes.
Tropical heat.
Volcanic terrain with landslides.
Flash floods.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.25%
- Sales Tax: 4.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.32% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Kailua-Kona is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kailua-Kona, HI, US?
The cost of living index in Kailua-Kona is 180, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Kailua-Kona?
The median home price in Kailua-Kona is $700,000. The housing index is 220.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kailua-Kona is approximately $2200/mo.
Does Kailua-Kona, HI have income tax?
Kailua-Kona is in HI, which has an income tax rate of 8.25%.
What is the climate like in Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 70°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.