Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Austin is 42% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $43,145 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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