Cost of Living Comparison for Honolulu, HI
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Honolulu's cost of living index is 193 — 93% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Honolulu local data
How Honolulu Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Honolulu stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $900,000 | $420,800 | +113.9% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,975 | $1,713 | +15.3% |
| Median Household Income | $88,800 | $74,580 | +19.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.31% | 1.10% | -71.8% |
| Cost of Living Index | 193 | 100 | +93.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Honolulu Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,010,000
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg Commute
- 27 min
- Median Age
- 43
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 38.0x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,790
Frequently Asked Questions — Honolulu
What is the median home price in Honolulu, HI?
The median home price in Honolulu is $900,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Honolulu?
Median monthly rent in Honolulu is $1,975. That works out to $23,700/year, or 27% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Honolulu affordable?
Honolulu's cost of living index is 193 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $88,800/year and a median home price of $900,000, the price-to-income ratio is 10.1x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Honolulu household.
What is the property tax rate in Honolulu?
The effective property tax rate in Honolulu is 0.31% of assessed value. On the median home of $900,000, that's roughly $2,790/year ($233/month).