Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Fresno is 42% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,324/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 35%
$66,804/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 28%
$348,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 139%
$1,391/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 30%
543,615
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
11.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $18,624/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Hawaii has a lower income tax rate, making Honolulu slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Fresno or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Honolulu?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Honolulu?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $18,624/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between California and Hawaii?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Honolulu details →

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