Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 46.5% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $3490 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $108,124.352 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 64.0% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $3490 per month, or $41876 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $3.5K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.1K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 46.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,490

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.9K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:53

Median Home:$414K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Honolulu, HI	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,744/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $4,956less	64.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,669/mo	$963/mo	↓ $705less	42.3%
⚡All Utilities	$923/mo	$561/mo	↓ $362less	39.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $341less	18.7%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $264less	13.6%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$589/mo	↓ $118less	16.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 64.0%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$4,956

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 42.3%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$705

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 39.2%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$362

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.7%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$341

less

📦Other

↓ 13.6%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$264

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$118

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,390

↓ $390

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,510

↓ $410

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$1,750

↓ $760

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$2,330

↓ $1,160

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$6,747

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Phoenix

$657K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 37% less expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$533

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.3%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.