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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Downey

California
169

Honolulu is 4% more expensive than Downey.

$1,783/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 6%
$85,428/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 2%
$834,100 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 13%
$1,809/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 10%
346,323
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $1,972/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Downey — common questions

Is Honolulu or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Downey?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Downey?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $1,972/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Downey details →

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