Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 10.2% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $766 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $140,813.472 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 0.1% more expensive than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Los Angeles, CA?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Los Angeles, CA could save you approximately $766 per month, or $9187 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Los Angeles, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $766/month moving to Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Los Angeles, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$766

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

(10% below avg)

Median Home:$885K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Honolulu, HI	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Groceries	$1,669/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $629less	37.7%
All Utilities	$923/mo	$557/mo	↓ $366less	39.6%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $328more	17.9%
Other	$1,942/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $211less	10.9%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$554/mo	↓ $152less	21.6%
Housing	$7,744/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $5.20more	0.1%

Groceries

↓ 37.7%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$629

less

All Utilities

↓ 39.6%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$366

less

Transportation

↑ 17.9%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$328

Other

↓ 10.9%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$211

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$152

less

Housing

↑ 0.1%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$5.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,910

↑ $130

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$2,135

↑ $215

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$2,660

↑ $150

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$3,370

↓ $120

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$1,025

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Los Angeles

$657K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 35% more expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$83.54

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.