Comparing Manhattan, New York, and Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, offers a fascinating look at two dramatically different American lifestyles. Manhattan, a bustling metropolis, is one of the world's leading cultural, financial, and entertainment centers. Urban Honolulu, in contrast, has a relaxed island vibe, breathtaking nature, and a unique fusion of cultures. Considering critical factors such as crime/safety, climate, cost of living, education, economy, transportation, taxes, culture, sports, geographical conditions, and healthcare can help determine which city suits specific lifestyle preferences better.
Manhattan is relatively safe for its dense population, but certain areas may have higher crime rates. Tourists visiting main attractions usually feel safe, but residents must be aware of their surroundings. Honolulu, on the other hand, is renowned for its relaxed island life, but crime rates are slightly higher than the national average, mainly thefts related to the tourism industry. Both cities prompt tourists and residents to practice common safety measures.
Cost of Living
Both Manhattan and Honolulu are among the most expensive US cities to live in. However, Manhattan usually tops the list due to high accommodation costs, utilities, dining, and entertainment expenses. Honolulu's cost of living is also substantial because most goods are imported, making grocery shopping and dining quite costly.
Income Tax
New York State's income tax ranges from 4% to 8.82%. Hawaii's state income tax, one of the highest in the U.S., ranges from 1.4% to 11%.
Property Tax
Manhattan has one of the lowest property tax rates despite the high property values. Honolulu property tax rates are average, but considering the high property values, homeowners may end up paying a significant amount.
Sales Tax
New York has a state sales tax rate of 4% and Manhattan imposes an additional 4.5%. Conversely, Hawaii's state sales tax is a relatively low 4%, but Honolulu adds a 0.5% surcharge.
Income
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Estimated median household income
$84,435
$90,704
Estimated per capita income
$76,589
$39,573
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.3
128.3
If you make $50,000 in Urban Honolulu, you will have to make $72,214 in Manhattan to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Manhattan is famous for its iconic cityscape filled with skyscrapers. In contrast, Honolulu offers lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and impressive volcanic landscapes.
Education
Manhattan houses many prestigious institutions, including Columbia University and New York University, offering a world-class education. Honolulu is home to the University of Hawaii, providing diverse programs but with a stronger focus on marine biology and volcanology.
Manhattan's economy is robust, driven by financial services, publishing, media, and fashion industries. Honolulu's economy thrives on tourism, healthcare, and federal defense spending.
Biggest Employers
Manhattan's largest employers include JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. In Honolulu, the federal and state governments, University of Hawaii, and Hawaiian Airlines are significant employers.
In Manhattan (New York County), 83.9% voted for Democrats and 14.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Urban Honolulu (Honolulu County), 68.9% voted for Democrats and 29.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
2020
86.5%
62.7%
12.2%
35.8%
1.2%
1.5%
2016
86.7%
61.5%
9.7%
31.6%
3.6%
6.9%
2012
83.9%
68.9%
14.9%
29.8%
1.2%
1.3%
2008
86.1%
70.1%
13.5%
28.8%
0.3%
1.1%
2004
82.3%
51.1%
16.8%
48.3%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
80.0%
54.6%
14.5%
39.6%
5.5%
5.7%
1996
80.0%
56.3%
13.8%
33.6%
6.3%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.4%
18.2%
12.6%
5.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.7%
0.0%
2.4%
0.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.7%
0.5%
5.3%
2.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.6%
0.1%
4.7%
0.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
PATRIAR PARISHE RUSSIAN ORTHODO CHURCH USA
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
2.4%
2.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.5%
2.9%
9.7%
Weather
Manhattan experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, noticeable temperature drop during winter, and hot, humid summers. On the other hand, Honolulu boasts a tropical semi-arid climate with warm temperatures year round, making it a haven for sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and climate
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
74.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.4%
70.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49.6 in
58.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
57.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.8%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
71%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
56%
Wind speed - Average
6.7 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Manhattan, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
2018
94
43
0.29
0.44
17.3
3.9
23.9
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
7.9
3.8
0.5
0.1
2017
97
46
0.16
0.49
17.4
4.4
24.0
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
7.7
3.5
0.4
0.4
2016
94
46
0.28
0.59
18.1
3.9
24.2
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.7
7.7
3.2
0.6
0.3
2015
100
53
0.36
0.53
18.9
3.5
23.0
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
8.6
4.5
1.0
0.4
2014
95
45
0.40
0.41
19.1
3.4
22.3
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
8.3
4.6
1.1
1.2
2013
97
53
0.43
0.41
19.5
3.0
22.6
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
9.0
5.6
1.1
1.1
2012
99
58
0.46
0.32
18.6
2.9
23.4
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
9.3
5.6
1.7
0.6
2011
108
57
0.46
0.38
20.7
2.9
22.2
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
10.9
6.1
2.7
0.6
2010
113
68
0.45
0.38
19.3
3.4
23.3
N/A
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
10.4
5.9
2.7
1.1
2009
104
58
0.51
0.42
21.9
4.3
18.8
N/A
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
10.7
5.8
3.8
0.7
2008
110
19
0.49
0.45
23.0
4.2
19.8
N/A
0.013
0.002
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
4.6
0.6
2007
121
23
0.56
0.52
24.4
4.7
19.4
N/A
0.016
0.001
N/A
N/A
13.1
N/A
5.5
0.5
2006
116
21
0.64
0.24
24.6
4.9
18.9
N/A
0.018
0.003
N/A
N/A
12.9
N/A
6.5
1.1
2005
112
19
0.77
0.42
26.7
5.0
18.4
N/A
N/A
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
0.7
2004
108
18
0.77
0.60
26.7
4.8
17.3
N/A
0.030
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
0.5
2003
107
21
0.83
0.62
27.8
4.7
17.5
N/A
0.024
0.002
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
0.5
2002
122
19
0.78
0.64
27.9
4.9
18.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
0.9
2001
123
21
0.79
0.62
29.4
4.5
19.4
N/A
0.020
N/A
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
0.7
2000
115
21
0.90
0.68
30.2
4.9
15.0
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
0.4
Natural disasters
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
59.1%
3.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31.1%
1,250.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
16%
Transportation
Manhattan has a comprehensive public transport system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. Honolulu relies primarily on buses and cars; its more relaxed pace may not suit those accustomed to Manhattan's fast-paced public transit.
Transport
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Bicycle
0.9%
0.9%
Bus
10.1%
6.3%
Carpooled
3.4%
15.5%
Car alone
7.6%
69.3%
Railroad
1.1%
0%
Streetcar
0.1%
0%
Subway
43.6%
0%
Taxicab
4.7%
0%
Walked
21.9%
5.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Average
30.3 min
29.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate costs are high in both cities. Manhattan is known for its luxury apartments with breathtaking views. Honolulu offers oceanfront properties, but with high prices due to demand and limited land availability.
Neighborhoods
Manhattan has well-known neighborhoods like Harlem, SoHo, and Greenwich Village, each with unique characteristics. Honolulu's neighborhoods, including Downtown, Waikiki, and Manoa, offer different lifestyles from urban to suburban living.
Houses and residents
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
Houses
798,144
157,427
Average household size (people)
2
2.5
Houses occupied
738,644 (92.5%)
138,398 (87.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
148,695 (20.1%)
68,458 (49.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
589,949 (79.9%)
69,940 (50.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,690
$1,712
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$3,393,315
$238,020
Estimated median house or condo value
$940,900
$781,600
Renting percentage
77.2%
56.2%
Household income disparities
47.8%
45%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,104 (40.3%)
1,696 (4.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13 (0.5%)
6,219 (15.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
1,636 (59.7%)
39,383 (95.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
140 (5.1%)
319 (0.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
140 (5.1%)
7,901 (19.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
69,517
10,949
State government workers
15,544
19,544
Unpaid family workers
1,861
446
Industries and Occupations
In Manhattan, banking, fashion, real estate, and media dominate, offering diverse job opportunities. Honolulu thrives on tourism, healthcare, defense departments, offering jobs in hotel management, healthcare services, and federal agencies.
Manhattan has world-class healthcare facilities and research institutions, making it a global hub for healthcare. Honolulu too has excellent healthcare systems, but access may be easier in Manhattan due to higher concentration of facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Manhattan's infrastructure incorporates iconic skyscrapers, comprehensive public transit, and vast cultural establishments. Honolulu's infrastructure accommodates tourists with high-end resorts, and its buildings display a unique blend of Hawaiian and modern architecture.
Infrastructure
Type
Manhattan
Urban Honolulu
TV stations
30
15
Culture and Food
Manhattan, a blend of various cultures, offers renowned museums, Broadway theaters, and a remarkable culinary scene. Honolulu offers a Polynesian culture, beautiful beaches, and a unique fusion cuisine, a blend of native Hawaiian, Asian, and American flavors.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to major sports teams. Manhattan hosts teams from all major U.S. sports leagues. Honolulu is home to University of Hawaii's NCAA Division I teams, but lacks major professional sports teams.
Manhattan, NY and 
Urban Honolulu, HI : 4,958.7 miles
Manhattan, NY and 
Urban Honolulu, HI : 4,958.7 miles
