Kailua, HI Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Kailua, HI Utility & Living Guide

Kailua is a census-designated place (CDP) in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. It lies in the Koʻolaupoko District of the island of Oʻahu on the windward coast at Kailua Bay. It is in the judicial district and the ahupua'a named Ko'olaupoko. It is 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Honolulu – over

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index196 (+96% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$840,000
📷 Live Cameras — Kailua
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Kailua
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kailua
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Kailua?

Moving to Kailua? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Hawaiian Electric Company
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2500/mo
3 Bedrooms$3500/mo
Median Home Price$840,000
Property Tax Rate1.29%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Kailua’s housing market is highly competitive, with a limited supply of homes and high demand. The area is known for its expensive real estate, with many homes selling for over $1 million. Rentals are also in high demand, with prices increasing steadily over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

196

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+96% above national average

Groceries

146

Transportation

114

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax4.166%
Property Tax Rate1.29%
<p>State 4.166% + County 0%</p>

Hawaii has a state income tax with a top rate of 11%, but no local income taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tourism, tech, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Kailua has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible buses and a walkable downtown area.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Kailua Beach
  • 🎯
    Lanikai Beach
  • 🎯
    Nuuanu Pali State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kailua include Lanikai, Enchanted Lake, and Kailua Town, which offer a range of housing options, good schools, and easy access to parks and beaches.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Kailua based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Kailua has strict zoning laws and regulations to preserve its natural beauty and small-town character.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Kailua — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Kailua are relatively consistent throughout the year, with minimal seasonal fluctuations. However, residents may see a slight increase in electricity costs during the summer months due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 96734 has a property tax millage rate of 1.29%, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and a relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate with a stroller.

📰 Latest HI Stories
Hawaii Living Report — July 27, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 27, 2026

The dream of trading a mainland commute for the sound of breaking waves is powerful, but anyone considering...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 26, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 26, 2026

Dreaming of paradise often conjures images of Hawaii’s turquoise waters and volcanic landscapes, but for the 1,450,589 residents...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 25, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 25, 2026

The decision to relocate to Hawaii often begins with a postcard image of turquoise water and volcanic peaks,...

Read more →
Hawaii Living Report — July 24, 2026

Hawaii Living Report — July 24, 2026

The dream of trading mainland traffic for gentle trade winds and a daily soundtrack of ocean waves is...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.