Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Denver is 16% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,770/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ≈ Same
$91,681/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↓ 7%
$586,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 42%
$1,839/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↓ 2%
713,734
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
11.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,253/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Denver or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Honolulu?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Honolulu?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $6,253/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Hawaii?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Honolulu details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Honolulu

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