Honolulu, HI vs Santa Ana, CA: 175 vs 163

$1,783/mo ↓ 10%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 11%

$85,428/yr ↓ 3%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 3%

$834,100 ↑ 27%

Home Value

$657,800 ↓ 21%

$1,809/mo ↓ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 9%

346,323

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $2,926/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Honolulu or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 175 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $192/month.

Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $2,926/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Honolulu

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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