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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Honolulu is 10% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,783/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 19%
$85,428/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 22%
$834,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 3%
$1,809/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 24%
346,323
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $18,791/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Honolulu or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Fullerton?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Fullerton?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $18,791/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Fullerton

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren