Is New York, NY cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 13.0% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $972 per month.

What salary do I need in New York, NY to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $138,341.969 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and New York, NY?

Housing in New York, NY is 1.2% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to New York, NY?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to New York, NY could save you approximately $972 per month, or $11658 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs New York, NY: 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 $972/month moving to New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.3K in New York, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$972

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.7K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$657K

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$1.05M

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs New York, NY

Category	Honolulu, HI	New York, NY	Difference	Change
Groceries	$1,669/mo	$1,165/mo	↓ $504less	30.2%
All Utilities	$923/mo	$600/mo	↓ $323less	35.0%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $228less	12.5%
Housing	$7,744/mo	$7,648/mo	↓ $96.15less	1.2%
Other	$1,942/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $92.07more	4.7%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$688/mo	↓ $18.59less	2.6%

Groceries

↓ 30.2%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$504

less

All Utilities

↓ 35.0%

Honolulu, HI

$923

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$323

less

Transportation

↓ 12.5%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$228

less

Housing

↓ 1.2%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$96.15

less

Other

↑ 4.7%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$92.07

Healthcare

↓ 2.6%

Honolulu, HI

$706

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

↑ $1,340

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$3,270

↑ $1,350

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$3,590

↑ $1,080

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$4,500

↑ $1,010

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$1,078

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

New York

$657K

Median Value

$1.05M

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 60% more expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$174

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

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

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.