Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Durham, NC (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Honolulu is 67% more expensive than Durham.

$1,783/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 21%
$85,428/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 7%
$834,100 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 57%
$1,809/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 21%
346,323
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $6,194/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Durham — common questions

Is Honolulu or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Durham?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Durham?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $6,194/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and North Carolina?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Durham

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo