Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Kent, WA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Honolulu is 21% more expensive than Kent.

$1,783/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 3%
$85,428/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 6%
$834,100 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 36%
$1,809/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 6%
346,323
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $4,988/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Kent — common questions

Is Honolulu or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Kent?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Kent?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $4,988/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Washington?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Kent details →

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