Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Honolulu is 182% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,783/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 41%
$85,428/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 48%
$834,100 ↑ 502%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 83%
$1,809/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 45%
346,323
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $41,052/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Honolulu or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Birmingham?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Birmingham?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $41,052/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Alabama?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Birmingham details →

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