Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Honolulu is 116% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,783/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 35%
$85,428/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 29%
$834,100 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 69%
$1,809/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 39%
346,323
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $24,400/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Honolulu or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $24,400/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Tennessee?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Chattanooga details →

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