Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Raleigh is 37% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,468/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 21%
$82,424/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 4%
$377,800 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 121%
$1,487/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 22%
470,763
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
11.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $3,004/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Raleigh or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Honolulu?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Honolulu?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $3,004/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Hawaii?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Honolulu details →

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