Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Providence, RI (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Honolulu is 77% more expensive than Providence.

$1,783/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 25%
$85,428/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 22%
$834,100 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 61%
$1,809/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 19%
346,323
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $18,656/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Providence — common questions

Is Honolulu or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Providence?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Providence?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $18,656/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Rhode Island?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Providence details →

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