Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Honolulu is 6% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$1,783/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 7%
$85,428/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 26%
$834,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$709,900 ↓ 15%
$1,809/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ≈ Same
346,323
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $21,944/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Honolulu or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $21,944/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Arizona?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Scottsdale

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk