Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Honolulu is 50% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,783/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 25%
$85,428/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 12%
$834,100 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 41%
$1,809/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 23%
346,323
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $10,503/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Honolulu or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $10,503/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Utah?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Salt Lake City details →

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