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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Irvine

California
256

Honolulu is 32% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,783/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 62%
$85,428/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 52%
$834,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 34%
$1,809/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 61%
346,323
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,110/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $13,320/year.

Median household income is $44,219/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Irvine — common questions

Is Honolulu or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Irvine?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,110/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Irvine?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $44,219/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Irvine details →

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