Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Hartford is 40% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $45,161 in Hartford.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $505,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Hartford scores 106 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Honolulu (107).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
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