Honolulu, HI vs Santa Maria, CA: 175 vs 137

$1,783/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 3%

$85,428/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$84,617/yr ≈ Same

$834,100 ↑ 74%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 43%

$1,809/mo ↑ 1%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 1%

346,323

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $811/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Honolulu or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 175 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $59/month.

Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $811/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 Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Honolulu

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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