Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Honolulu, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 49.7% cheaper than Honolulu, HI. This translates to saving $3731 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Honolulu, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Honolulu, HI, you'd need approximately $105,233.161 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Honolulu, HI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 68.1% cheaper than in Honolulu, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,510/month in Honolulu, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Honolulu, HI to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Honolulu, HI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3731 per month, or $44767 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Honolulu, HI vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $3.7K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $105.2K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 49.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,731

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.8K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:50

Median Home:$512K

Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Honolulu, HI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Honolulu, HI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,744/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,275less	68.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,669/mo	$959/mo	↓ $709less	42.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
⚡All Utilities	$923/mo	$546/mo	↓ $377less	40.8%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $234less	12.1%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$601/mo	↓ $105less	14.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.1%

Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,275

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 42.5%

Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$709

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 40.8%

Honolulu, HI

$923

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$377

less

📦Other

↓ 12.1%

Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$234

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

Honolulu, HI

$706

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$105

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,570

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,640

↓ $280

2 Bed

From$2,510

To$1,800

↓ $710

3 Bed

From$3,490

To$2,255

↓ $1,235

Honolulu, HIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,660–$3,020/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,248

Difference

Home Values

Honolulu

Raleigh

$657K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +13.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$472K - $1.77M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 22% less expensive than Honolulu

Calculate payment - Honolulu Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$375

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.