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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Honolulu is 61% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,783/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 20%
$85,428/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 25%
$834,100 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 54%
$1,809/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 18%
346,323
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $21,440/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Honolulu or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $21,440/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and San Bernardino

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley