Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Philadelphia is 51% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 35%
$60,698/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 41%
$232,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 259%
$1,233/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 47%
1,582,432
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
11.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $24,730/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Honolulu?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Honolulu?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $24,730/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Hawaii?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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