Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Boston is 13% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $65,323 in Boston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Honolulu (107).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.
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