Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Honolulu is 165% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,783/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 43%
$85,428/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 30%
$834,100 ↑ 380%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 79%
$1,809/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 45%
346,323
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $25,263/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs McAllen — common questions

Is Honolulu or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and McAllen?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or McAllen?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $25,263/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Texas?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View McAllen details →

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