Quick answer
Providence costs $775/month less overall ($2,230 vs $3,005/mo). Providence also has lower state income tax (5.99% (top) vs 11% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Honolulu vs Providence
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 Providence at a Glance
| Metric | Honolulu | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $2,000 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,850 | $2,000 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $875K | $380K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $285 | $180 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $620 | $400 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $3,005 | $2,230 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 64/100 | 75/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ | 51/100 |
| State Income Tax | 11% (top) | 5.99% (top) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Providence's 1BR averages $1,650/month vs $2,100 in Honolulu — a $450/month difference, or $5,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Providence charges 5.99% (top) state income tax vs 11% (top) in Honolulu. On an $80K salary that's a $2,000/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $8,400 vs $5,400 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Providence are $380K vs $875K in Honolulu. At a 20% down payment, that's a $99,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Honolulu utilities run $105 more per month than Providence. 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
Providence, RI
Providence's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
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
Providence
New England winters (cold, moderate snow); humid summers; seasonal transitions are pronounced; 4 true seasons
Job Market
Honolulu top industries
Providence 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 Providence if…
- →You're a Artists, designers, and creative professionals (RISD gravity, gallery culture)
- →You're a Brown University-affiliated academics and families
- →You're a Urban walkability seekers who want Northeastern authenticity
- →You're a Culinary enthusiasts (Johnson & Wales, farm-to-table restaurants)
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honolulu or Providence cheaper to live in?
Providence is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,230 in Providence vs $3,005 in Honolulu — a $775/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Honolulu or Providence?
Providence is more walkable with a Walk Score of 75/100 vs 64/100. Honolulu is more car-dependent.
Honolulu vs Providence: which has lower state income tax?
Providence has lower state income tax (5.99% (top)). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,000/year vs Honolulu (11% (top)).
Is Honolulu or Providence better for buying a home?
Providence has lower median home prices at $380K vs $875K in Honolulu — a $495,000 difference on the median home.