Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Honolulu is 56% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,783/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 18%
$85,428/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 25%
$834,100 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 53%
$1,809/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 15%
346,323
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.32%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $21,554/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Honolulu or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $21,554/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and New Jersey?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Elizabeth details →

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