Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
52% cheaper
Des Moines is 52% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $35,887 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $510,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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