Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Honolulu is 27% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,783/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 54%
$85,428/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 48%
$834,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 25%
$1,809/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 46%
346,323
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $41,041/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Honolulu or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Cambridge?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Cambridge?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $41,041/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Massachusetts?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Cambridge details →

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