Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Honolulu is 33% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,783/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ≈ Same
$85,428/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 6%
$834,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 45%
$1,809/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 2%
346,323
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,493/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Honolulu or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $5,493/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Florida?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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