Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Chicago is 42% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $43,145 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $410,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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