Is Austin, TX cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 46.6% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $3497 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $108,031.088 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 62.8% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Austin, TX?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Austin, TX could save you approximately $3497 per month, or $41969 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Honolulu, HI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Urban Honolulu, HI area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,497

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Honolulu, HI

Population:351K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$657K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:53

Median Home:$558K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Hawaii, this city has a population of 351K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Austin, TX

Category	Honolulu, HI	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,744/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $4,860less	62.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,669/mo	$959/mo	↓ $709less	42.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
⚡All Utilities	$923/mo	$541/mo	↓ $382less	41.4%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $201less	10.3%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$589/mo	↓ $118less	16.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.8%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$4,860

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 42.5%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$709

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 41.4%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$382

less

📦Other

↓ 10.3%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$201

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$118

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,585

↓ $195

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,685

↓ $235

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$1,995

↓ $515

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$2,525

↓ $965

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$14,815

Monthly in Honolulu, HI

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$6,817

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Austin

$657K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 15% less expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$969

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.8%

Rate difference

Honolulu, HI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Hawaii State Tax

Effective: 7.8%

$11.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.4%

$48.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,446/month

$101.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.