Is Boston, MA cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 22.8% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $1710 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $129,481.865 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.9% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Boston, MA?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Boston, MA could save you approximately $1710 per month, or $20518 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Honolulu, HI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.5K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 22.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,710

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.5K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(23% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Boston, MA

Category	Honolulu, HI	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,744/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,469less	31.9%
Groceries	$1,669/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $590less	35.3%
All Utilities	$923/mo	$716/mo	↓ $208less	22.5%
Other	$1,942/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $117less	6.0%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$743/mo	↑ $37.17more	5.3%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,830/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 31.9%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,469

less

Groceries

↓ 35.3%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$590

less

All Utilities

↓ 22.5%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$208

less

Other

↓ 6.0%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$117

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$37.17

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$3,095

↑ $1,315

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$3,255

↑ $1,335

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$3,865

↑ $1,355

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$4,630

↑ $1,140

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,346

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Boston

$657K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 46% more expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$344

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.8%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.