Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Honolulu is 150% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,783/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 41%
$85,428/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 25%
$834,100 ↑ 354%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 78%
$1,809/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 37%
346,323
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $21,462/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Honolulu or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Des Moines?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Des Moines?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $21,462/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Iowa?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Des Moines details →

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