Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Tempe is 43% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $42,742 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Hawaii salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Honolulu has a housing index of 275 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Honolulu costs $720,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,400 in Honolulu versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Honolulu scores 138 while Tempe scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Honolulu (107) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Honolulu is $71,465 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
Amazon affiliate links