Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Boston and Honolulu have a similar cost of living.

$2,093/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↓ 15%
$94,755/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↓ 10%
$710,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 17%
$2,176/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↓ 17%
663,972
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
11.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Boston or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Honolulu?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Honolulu?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $9,327/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Hawaii?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Honolulu details →

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