Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Cary, NC (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Honolulu is 30% more expensive than Cary.

$1,783/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 9%
$85,428/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 51%
$834,100 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 37%
$1,809/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 4%
346,323
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $43,971/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Cary — common questions

Is Honolulu or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Cary?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Cary?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $43,971/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and North Carolina?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Cary

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside