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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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
100 = national average
Median Home:$657K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:
53
(47% below avg)
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

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 - HonoluluCalculate 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
$0
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.

Environment

Honolulu
Austin
N/A
Air Quality
52 Moderate
-
Good Air Days
42.6%
N/A
Climate Risk
98 High
-
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
N/A
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
-
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
N/A
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
-
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

What to Consider When Moving from Honolulu, HI to Austin, TX

Relocating from Honolulu, HI to Austin, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 47% lower in Austin, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Austin, TX is 63% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Austin, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Austin, TX to match your current standard of living in Honolulu, HI.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Austin, TX for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Honolulu, HI vs Austin, TX

Is Austin, TX cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Yes, Austin, TX is about 46.6% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. You could save approximately $3,497/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 63% lower in Austin, TX.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to match my lifestyle in Honolulu, HI?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you would need approximately $108,031 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Honolulu, HI and Austin, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $1,920/month in Honolulu, HI vs $1,685/month in Austin, TX. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Honolulu, HI or Austin, TX?

Groceries are about 43% cheaper in Austin, TX than in Honolulu, HI, saving a typical household roughly $709/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Honolulu, HI to Austin, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Hawaii and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Honolulu, HI on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $4,119/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $4,119/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $4,041/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $4,003/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $4,003/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

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