Is Denver, CO cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 43.0% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $3225 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $111,295.337 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 58.1% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Denver, CO?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Denver, CO could save you approximately $3225 per month, or $38705 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Denver, CO: 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 $3.2K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 43.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,225

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.7K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:57

Median Home:$513K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Denver, CO

Category	Honolulu, HI	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,744/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $4,496less	58.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,669/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $640less	38.3%
⚡All Utilities	$923/mo	$519/mo	↓ $404less	43.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $369less	20.1%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $167less	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$632/mo	↓ $74.35less	10.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.1%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$4,496

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 38.3%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$640

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 43.8%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$404

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.1%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$369

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$167

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Honolulu, HI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,720

↓ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,840

↓ $80.00

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$2,190

↓ $320

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$2,870

↓ $620

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$6,150

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Denver

$657K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 22% less expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$419

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.