Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Honolulu is 136% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,783/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 37%
$85,428/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 40%
$834,100 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 74%
$1,809/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 41%
346,323
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $34,434/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Honolulu or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Knoxville?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Knoxville?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $34,434/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Tennessee?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Knoxville details →

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