Quick answer
Memphis costs $1550/month less overall ($1,455 vs $3,005/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs 11% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Honolulu vs Memphis
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Honolulu vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Honolulu | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,850 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $875K | $195K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $285 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $620 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $3,005 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 64/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 11% (top) | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $2,100 in Honolulu — a $1,120/month difference, or $13,440/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs 11% (top) in Honolulu. On an $80K salary that's a $5,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $8,400 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $875K in Honolulu. At a 20% down payment, that's a $136,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Honolulu utilities run $135 more per month than Memphis. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Honolulu
Warm year-round (75–85°F daily highs); mild winters; consistent trade winds; November–March is slightly cooler and wetter; rare hurricanes but flash flooding in valley areas
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Honolulu top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Honolulu if…
- →You're a military families
- →You're a people who love tropical climate year-round
- →You're a outdoor / water sports enthusiasts
- →You're a anyone willing to pay premium for island life
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honolulu or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $3,005 in Honolulu — a $1550/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Honolulu or Memphis?
Honolulu is more walkable with a Walk Score of 64/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Honolulu vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $5,600/year vs Honolulu (11% (top)).
Is Honolulu or Memphis better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $875K in Honolulu — a $680,000 difference on the median home.