Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Honolulu is 75% more expensive than Newark.

$1,783/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 25%
$85,428/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 43%
$834,100 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 60%
$1,809/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 22%
346,323
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.32%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $37,012/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Newark — common questions

Is Honolulu or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Newark?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Newark?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $37,012/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and New Jersey?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Newark details →

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