Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Honolulu is 30% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,783/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 40%
$85,428/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 89%
$834,100 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 44%
$1,809/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 43%
346,323
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $722/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $8,664/year.

Median household income is $75,872/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Honolulu or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Bellevue?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $722/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Bellevue?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $75,872/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Washington?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Bellevue

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