Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Honolulu is 39% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,783/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 10%
$85,428/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 2%
$834,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 45%
$1,809/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 3%
346,323
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $1,571/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Honolulu or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Tacoma?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Tacoma?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $1,571/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Washington?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Tacoma details →

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