Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Modesto is 40% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $45,161 in Modesto.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Hawaii salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Honolulu has a housing index of 275 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Honolulu costs $720,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,400 in Honolulu versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Honolulu scores 138 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Honolulu (107) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Honolulu is $71,465 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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