Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Chicago is 43% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,380/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 29%
$75,134/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 14%
$315,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 165%
$1,502/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 20%
2,707,648
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
11.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $10,294/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Chicago or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Honolulu?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Honolulu?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $10,294/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Hawaii?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Honolulu details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Honolulu

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