Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Honolulu is 47% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,783/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 4%
$85,428/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 19%
$834,100 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 56%
$1,809/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 8%
346,323
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $16,167/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Hawaii's 11.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Honolulu or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $16,167/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Florida?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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