Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Honolulu is 18% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,783/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 7%
$85,428/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 11%
$834,100 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 36%
$1,809/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 11%
346,323
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.32%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $9,385/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Honolulu or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Jersey City?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Jersey City?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $9,385/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and New Jersey?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Jersey City details →

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