Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Honolulu is 122% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,783/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 29%
$85,428/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 37%
$834,100 ↑ 342%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 77%
$1,809/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 31%
346,323
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $32,025/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Allentown — common questions

Is Honolulu or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Allentown?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Allentown?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $32,025/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Pennsylvania?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Allentown details →

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