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

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Honolulu is 46% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,783/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 9%
$85,428/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 9%
$834,100 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 49%
$1,809/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 14%
346,323
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $7,785/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Tempe — common questions

Is Honolulu or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Tempe?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Tempe?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $7,785/year higher in Honolulu.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

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