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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Honolulu is 39% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,783/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
$85,428/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 9%
$834,100 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 53%
$1,809/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 12%
346,323
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $7,943/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Surprise — common questions

Is Honolulu or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Surprise?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Surprise?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $7,943/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Surprise

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite