Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Mesa is 39% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,478/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 21%
$78,779/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 8%
$364,300 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 129%
$1,404/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 29%
507,478
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
11.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $6,649/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Mesa or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Honolulu?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Honolulu?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $6,649/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Hawaii?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Honolulu details →

More Comparisons

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