Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Honolulu is 23% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,783/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 34%
$85,428/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 29%
$834,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 26%
$1,809/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 36%
346,323
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $24,645/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Hawaii has a lower income tax rate, making Honolulu slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Honolulu or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $24,645/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and California?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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