Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Honolulu is 47% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,783/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 10%
$85,428/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 11%
$834,100 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 53%
$1,809/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 8%
346,323
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $9,223/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Lowell — common questions

Is Honolulu or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Lowell?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Lowell?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $9,223/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Massachusetts?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Lowell details →

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