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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Honolulu is 5% more expensive than Fairfield.

$1,783/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 23%
$85,428/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 20%
$834,100 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 29%
$1,809/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 23%
346,323
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $16,893/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Honolulu or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Fairfield?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Fairfield?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $16,893/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Fairfield

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill