Hawaii
184.8
composite · rank #51
- Housing
- 302.4
- Grocery
- 136.3
- Utilities
- 183.5
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Hawaii vs Massachusetts Cost of Living
Massachusetts has the lower cost of living by 37 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Massachusetts is lower
37 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Hawaii is roughly $79,978 in Massachusetts.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Massachusetts
147.8
composite · rank #50
- Housing
- 217.5
- Grocery
- 106.8
- Utilities
- 143.9
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Hawaii | Massachusetts | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 136.3 | 106.8 | Massachusetts |
| Housing | 302.4 | 217.5 | Massachusetts |
| Utilities | 183.5 | 143.9 | Massachusetts |
| Transportation | 149 | 108.5 | Massachusetts |
| Health care | 113.1 | 131.8 | Hawaii |
| Misc. goods & services | 122.7 | 118.3 | Massachusetts |
Grocery
Hawaii136.3
Massachusetts106.8
Lower cost: Massachusetts
Housing
Hawaii302.4
Massachusetts217.5
Lower cost: Massachusetts
Utilities
Hawaii183.5
Massachusetts143.9
Lower cost: Massachusetts
Transportation
Hawaii149
Massachusetts108.5
Lower cost: Massachusetts
Health care
Hawaii113.1
Massachusetts131.8
Lower cost: Hawaii
Misc. goods & services
Hawaii122.7
Massachusetts118.3
Lower cost: Massachusetts
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Massachusetts | Needed in Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,989 | $62,517 |
| $75,000 | $59,984 | $93,775 |
| $100,000 | $79,978 | $125,034 |
| $150,000 | $119,968 | $187,551 |
| $250,000 | $199,946 | $312,585 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Massachusetts$39,989
In Hawaii$62,517
$75,000 origin salary
In Massachusetts$59,984
In Hawaii$93,775
$100,000 origin salary
In Massachusetts$79,978
In Hawaii$125,034
$150,000 origin salary
In Massachusetts$119,968
In Hawaii$187,551
Housing gap
Hawaii housing is 302.4; Massachusetts is 217.5.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Hawaii is roughly $79,978 in Massachusetts.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Hawaii vs Massachusetts cost of living FAQs
Massachusetts has the lower cost of living by 37 index points. The composite indexes are 184.8 in Hawaii and 147.8 in Massachusetts (US average = 100).
About $79,978 in Massachusetts would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Hawaii, based on the composite indexes.
About $125,034 in Hawaii would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Massachusetts.
Housing indexes are 302.4 in Hawaii and 217.5 in Massachusetts. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Massachusetts has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.