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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Ontario

California
152

Honolulu is 15% more expensive than Ontario.

$1,783/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 7%
$85,428/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 3%
$834,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 32%
$1,809/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 9%
346,323
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $2,622/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Ontario — common questions

Is Honolulu or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Ontario?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Ontario?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $2,622/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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