Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Honolulu is 93% more expensive than Lexington.

$1,783/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↓ 38%
$85,428/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↓ 21%
$834,100 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$272,100 ↓ 67%
$1,809/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ↓ 36%
346,323
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $682/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $8,184/year.

Median household income is $17,797/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Lexington — common questions

Is Honolulu or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Lexington?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $682/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Lexington?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $17,797/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Kentucky?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Lexington details →