Quick answer
Provo costs $1520/month less overall ($1,485 vs $3,005/mo). Provo also has lower state income tax (4.85% vs 11% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Honolulu vs Provo
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 Provo at a Glance
| Metric | Honolulu | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,400 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,850 | $1,400 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $875K | $520K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $285 | $95 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $620 | $290 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $3,005 | $1,485 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 64/100 | 68/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 57/100 ✓ | 42/100 |
| State Income Tax | 11% (top) | 4.85% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Provo's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $2,100 in Honolulu — a $1,000/month difference, or $12,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Provo charges 4.85% state income tax vs 11% (top) in Honolulu. On an $80K salary that's a $1,720/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $8,400 vs $5,820 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Provo are $520K vs $875K in Honolulu. At a 20% down payment, that's a $71,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Honolulu utilities run $190 more per month than Provo. 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
Provo, UT
Provo'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
Provo
Four seasons with cold, snowy winters (average 60 inches annual snowfall) and warm, dry summers (85°F average). Spring and fall are mild.
Job Market
Honolulu top industries
Provo 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 Provo if…
- →You're a Software engineers and tech workers
- →You're a LDS families
- →You're a Young professionals seeking career growth
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts (skiing, hiking)
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honolulu or Provo cheaper to live in?
Provo is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,485 in Provo vs $3,005 in Honolulu — a $1520/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Honolulu or Provo?
Provo is more walkable with a Walk Score of 68/100 vs 64/100. Honolulu is more car-dependent.
Honolulu vs Provo: which has lower state income tax?
Provo has lower state income tax (4.85%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,720/year vs Honolulu (11% (top)).
Is Honolulu or Provo better for buying a home?
Provo has lower median home prices at $520K vs $875K in Honolulu — a $355,000 difference on the median home.