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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Honolulu is 20% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,783/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 24%
$85,428/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 21%
$834,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 25%
$1,809/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 29%
346,323
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $18,350/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Honolulu or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Pasadena?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Pasadena?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $18,350/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Pasadena details →

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