Kapaa, HI Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Kapaa, HI Utility & Living Guide

Living in Kapaa, HI offers a unique blend of tropical paradise and small-town charm on the island of Kauai

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax4.166%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$420,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Kapaa
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Kapaa
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Kapaa
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Kapaa?

Moving to Kapaa? 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

$150/mo

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Kauai Department of Water
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Kauai County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$420,000
Property Tax Rate1.05%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Kapaa is competitive, with a mix of older homes and new developments. Rentals are scarce, and prices are higher than in some other parts of the island. However, the area’s natural beauty and small-town charm make it a desirable place to live.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

100

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax4.166%
Property Tax Rate1.05%
<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
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

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

Kapaa has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible buses and pedestrian-friendly roads

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Kapaa Beach
  • 🎯
    Lydgate Beach Park
  • 🎯
    Kauai Children's Discovery Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Kapaa include the downtown area, which offers a mix of old and new homes, and the surrounding suburbs, which provide more space and a quieter atmosphere. The area is generally safe and welcoming, with a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Kapaa has regulations in place to protect its natural environment and preserve its small-town character, including restrictions on development and zoning laws

The current financial trend in Kapaa is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly living, with many residents and visitors prioritizing environmental conservation. This has led to an increase in green businesses and initiatives in the area.

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.

📊 Kapaa — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Kapaa tend to be higher in the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage, while winter months see a decrease in costs. However, the temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year, minimizing the need for heating.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 96746 has a property tax millage rate of 1.05%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate with a stroller, although some areas may have limited elevator access in transit

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.