Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Honolulu is 130% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,783/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 34%
$85,428/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 40%
$834,100 ↑ 350%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 78%
$1,809/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 30%
346,323
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.32%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $33,786/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Honolulu or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Waterbury?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Waterbury?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $33,786/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Connecticut?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Waterbury details →

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