Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Honolulu is 67% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,783/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 14%
$85,428/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 25%
$834,100 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 61%
$1,809/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 22%
346,323
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $20,988/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Honolulu or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Clearwater?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Clearwater?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $20,988/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Florida?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Clearwater

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville