Is Urban Honolulu, HI cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Urban Honolulu, HI is 12.2% more expensive than Tacoma, WA. This translates to spending an extra $916 per month.

What salary do I need in Urban Honolulu, HI to live like I do in Tacoma, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Tacoma, WA, you'd need approximately $160,988.372 in Urban Honolulu, HI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tacoma, WA and Urban Honolulu, HI?

Housing in Urban Honolulu, HI is 2.8% more expensive than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,900/month in Urban Honolulu, HI compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tacoma, WA to Urban Honolulu, HI?

Living in Urban Honolulu, HI costs approximately $916 more per month than Tacoma, WA, or $10988 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tacoma, WA vs Urban Honolulu, HI: 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 Tacoma, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $916/month more in Urban Honolulu, HI

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Urban Honolulu, HI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$916

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

Per year

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

Tacoma, WA

Population:219K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$560K

Urban Honolulu, HI

Population:351K

Cost Index:

112

(12% above avg)

Median Home:$657K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 219K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Urban Honolulu, HI

The Aloha State

351K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tacoma, WA vs Urban Honolulu, HI

Category	Tacoma, WA	Urban Honolulu, HI	Difference	Change
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,669/mo	↑ $590more	54.6%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$923/mo	↑ $443more	92.0%
Housing	$7,536/mo	$7,744/mo	↑ $208more	2.8%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$706/mo	↓ $118less	14.3%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $68.30less	3.6%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,942/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.7%

Groceries

↑ 54.6%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

Urban Honolulu, HI

$1,669

Difference

$590

All Utilities

↑ 92.0%

Tacoma, WA

$481

Urban Honolulu, HI

$923

Difference

$443

Housing

↑ 2.8%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

Urban Honolulu, HI

$7,744

Difference

$208

Healthcare

↓ 14.3%

Tacoma, WA

$824

Urban Honolulu, HI

$706

Difference

$118

less

Transportation

↓ 3.6%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

Urban Honolulu, HI

$1,830

Difference

$68.30

less

Other

↓ 1.7%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

Urban Honolulu, HI

$1,942

Difference

$33.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$1,850

↑ $470

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$2,200

↑ $650

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,900

↑ $1,000

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$4,200

↑ $1,570

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Tacoma, WA

$14,815

Monthly in Urban Honolulu, HI

$1,021

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

Urban Honolulu

$560K

Median Value

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

$404K - $685K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Tacoma

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$969

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.8%

Rate difference

Tacoma, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Urban 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

Additional Tax Information

Tacoma, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Urban Honolulu, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

💡 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.