Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Honolulu is 55% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,783/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 19%
$85,428/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 15%
$834,100 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$375,900 ↓ 55%
$1,809/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↓ 6%
346,323
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $12,724/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Honolulu or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Anchorage?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Anchorage?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $12,724/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Alaska?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Anchorage details →

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