Kailua Kona, HI Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Kailua Kona, HI Utility & Living Guide

Living in Kailua Kona offers a unique blend of tropical paradise and small-town charm on the Big Island of Hawaii

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index196 (+96% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$440,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kailua Kona
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Hawaii Electric Light Company
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

Department of Water Supply, County of Hawaii
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Hawaii County Solid Waste Division
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2500/mo
Median Home Price$440,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Kailua Kona is highly competitive, with a limited supply of homes and high demand from tourists and locals alike. Rentals are scarce and often pricey. Home prices have been steadily increasing 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

118

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax4.166%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 4.166% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Hawaii has a state income tax with rates ranging from 1.4% to 11%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

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

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Hapuna Beach
  • 🎯
    Kailua Kona Pier
  • 🎯
    Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kailua Kona include Holualoa, Kailua Village, and Kealakehe, which offer a mix of affordability, safety, and access to amenities

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Short-term vacation rentals are regulated by the County of Hawaii, and there are specific rules for zoning, parking, and noise

Kailua Kona's economy is driven by tourism, with a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The area is also seeing an increase in remote workers and digital nomads.

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📊 Kailua Kona — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Kailua Kona are relatively consistent throughout the year, with a slight increase in summer months due to air conditioning usage. However, the area's mild climate means that heating costs are minimal during the winter months

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 96740 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

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

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