Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Honolulu is 146% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,783/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
$85,428/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 32%
$834,100 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 75%
$1,809/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 43%
346,323
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $27,755/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Honolulu or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $27,755/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and North Carolina?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Winston-Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Winston-Salem

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale