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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Honolulu is 23% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,783/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 36%
$85,428/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 40%
$834,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 26%
$1,809/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 35%
346,323
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $34,457/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Honolulu or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $34,457/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Huntington Beach details →

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