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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Modesto

California
120

Honolulu is 46% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,783/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 10%
$85,428/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 9%
$834,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 50%
$1,809/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 11%
346,323
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $7,529/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Modesto — common questions

Is Honolulu or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Modesto?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Modesto?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $7,529/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley