Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Madison, WI (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Honolulu is 70% more expensive than Madison.

$1,783/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 23%
$85,428/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 10%
$834,100 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 58%
$1,809/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 18%
346,323
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $8,445/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Madison — common questions

Is Honolulu or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Madison?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Madison?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $8,445/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Wisconsin?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Madison details →

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