Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Worcester is 33% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $50,403 in Worcester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Hawaii salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Honolulu has a housing index of 275 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Honolulu costs $720,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $380,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,400 in Honolulu versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Honolulu scores 138 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Honolulu (107) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Honolulu is $71,465 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
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