Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Honolulu is 122% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,783/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 38%
$85,428/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 40%
$834,100 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 73%
$1,809/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 29%
346,323
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $34,089/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Springfield — common questions

Is Honolulu or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Springfield?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Springfield?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $34,089/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Massachusetts?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Springfield details →

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