Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Honolulu is 88% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,783/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 26%
$85,428/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 3%
$834,100 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 66%
$1,809/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 26%
346,323
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $2,339/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Rochester — common questions

Is Honolulu or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Rochester?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Rochester?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $2,339/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Minnesota?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Rochester details →

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