Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Honolulu is 14% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,783/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 28%
$85,428/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 64%
$834,100 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 4%
$1,809/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 33%
346,323
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $54,732/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Arlington — common questions

Is Honolulu or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Arlington?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Arlington?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $54,732/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Virginia?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Arlington details →

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