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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Oakland is 11% more expensive than Honolulu.

$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↓ 7%
$97,369/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↓ 12%
$924,700 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$834,100 ↓ 10%
$2,164/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↓ 16%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $11,941/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Oakland or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Honolulu?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Honolulu?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $11,941/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Honolulu details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Honolulu

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington