Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Waco, TX (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Honolulu is 143% more expensive than Waco.

$1,783/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 38%
$85,428/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 40%
$834,100 ↑ 318%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 76%
$1,809/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 40%
346,323
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $33,960/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Waco — common questions

Is Honolulu or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Waco?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Waco?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $33,960/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Texas?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Waco details →

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