Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Baltimore is 52% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,290/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 38%
$59,623/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 43%
$219,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 280%
$1,333/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 36%
577,193
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
11.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $25,805/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Baltimore or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Honolulu?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Honolulu?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $25,805/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Hawaii?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with rent of $1,783/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Honolulu details →

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