Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Honolulu is 68% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,783/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 21%
$85,428/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 21%
$834,100 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 59%
$1,809/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 16%
346,323
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $17,884/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Worcester — common questions

Is Honolulu or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Worcester?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Worcester?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $17,884/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Massachusetts?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Honolulu details → View Worcester details →

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