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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Honolulu is 119% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,783/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 35%
$85,428/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 35%
$834,100 ↑ 243%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 71%
$1,809/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 35%
346,323
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $29,775/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Columbia — common questions

Is Honolulu or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Columbia?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Columbia?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $29,775/year higher in Honolulu.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Columbia details →

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