Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Honolulu is 37% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,783/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 8%
$85,428/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 5%
$834,100 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 44%
$1,809/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 7%
346,323
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $4,610/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Charleston — common questions

Is Honolulu or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Charleston?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Charleston?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $4,610/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and South Carolina?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Charleston details →

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