Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Kahului, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 8.6% cheaper than Kahului, HI. This translates to saving $646 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Kahului, HI, you'd need approximately $142,242.11 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 35.6% cheaper than in Kahului, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,356/month in Kahului, HI.

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

Moving from Kahului, HI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $646 per month, or $7758 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Kahului, HI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Kahului, HI — COL adjusted from Honolulu, HI area + state data

Current salary in Kahului, HI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $646/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$646

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Kahului, HI

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$657K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$512K

Kahului, HI

The Aloha State

28K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Hawaii, this city has a population of 28K 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: Kahului, HI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Kahului, HI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,833/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,365less	35.6%
📦Other	$1,068/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $639more	59.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,238/mo	$959/mo	↓ $278less	22.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,007/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $277more	27.5%
⚡All Utilities	$685/mo	$546/mo	↓ $138less	20.2%
🏥Healthcare	$524/mo	$601/mo	↑ $77.17more	14.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.6%

Kahului, HI

$3,833

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,365

less

📦Other

↑ 59.9%

Kahului, HI

$1,068

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$639

🛒Groceries

↓ 22.5%

Kahului, HI

$1,238

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$278

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 27.5%

Kahului, HI

$1,007

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$277

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.2%

Kahului, HI

$685

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$138

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.7%

Kahului, HI

$524

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$77.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$865

To$1,570

↑ $705

1 Bed

From$1,029

To$1,640

↑ $611

2 Bed

From$1,356

To$1,800

↑ $444

3 Bed

From$1,964

To$2,255

↑ $291

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.

$8,354

Monthly in Kahului, HI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$787

Difference

Home Values

Kahului

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Kahului, 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

Kahului, 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.