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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

San Francisco is 53% more expensive than Honolulu.

$2,419/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↓ 26%
$141,446/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↓ 40%
$1,380,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$834,100 ↓ 40%
$2,620/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↓ 31%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $56,018/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Honolulu — common questions

Is San Francisco or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Honolulu?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Honolulu?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $56,018/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Honolulu details →

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