Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Portland is 21% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,596/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 12%
$88,792/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↓ 4%
$557,600 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 50%
$1,771/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 2%
642,715
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
11.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $3,364/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Portland or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Honolulu?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Honolulu?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $3,364/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Hawaii?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Honolulu details →

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