Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Boise, ID (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Honolulu is 56% more expensive than Boise.

$1,783/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 24%
$85,428/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 5%
$834,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$456,000 ↓ 45%
$1,809/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 26%
346,323
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $4,120/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Boise — common questions

Is Honolulu or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Boise?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Boise?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $4,120/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Idaho?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Boise details →

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