Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Los Angeles is 7% more expensive than Honolulu.

$1,879/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↓ 5%
$80,366/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 6%
$879,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$834,100 ↓ 5%
$2,055/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↓ 12%
3,857,897
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
11.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $5,062/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Hawaii has a lower income tax rate, making Honolulu slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Honolulu?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Honolulu?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $5,062/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between California and Hawaii?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with rent of $1,783/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Honolulu details →

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