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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Honolulu is 41% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,783/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 5%
$85,428/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 11%
$834,100 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 51%
$1,809/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 3%
346,323
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $9,345/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Honolulu or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Lancaster?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Lancaster?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $9,345/year higher in Honolulu.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Lancaster details →

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