Comparing Bronx, NY, and Honolulu, HI, involves an intriguing contrast between a bustling city borough and a tropical paradise. The two present stark differences ranging from climate and geographical conditions to cultural diversity, infrastructure, public safety, and cost of living. This analysis provides a comprehensive comparison considering these various aspects, with the aim of assisting individuals who are considering relocating or planning a visit.
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Bronx's population is larger by 269%. The population of Honolulu has grown by 3,044 people (0.8%) during that time.
Population | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,383,871 | 374,701 |
Female / male percentage | 53.5% / 46.5%
|
50.9% / 49.1%
|
The Bronx has been working hard to shake off its reputation of being one of New York City's more dangerous boroughs. Significant improvements have been made, yet crime rates remain higher compared to national averages. Honolulu, on the other hand, generally boasts a significantly lower crime rate, making it safer by comparison. Nevertheless, tourists should remain vigilant in both cities, especially during late hours.
Living in the Bronx is considerably cheaper compared to Honolulu. While both are located in high cost-of-living states, Honolulu's cost, driven by its isolation and dependence on imported goods, ranks it among the most expensive US cities. Everything from groceries to housing is pricier, posing more financial challenges to prospective residents.
New York has one of the highest state income tax rates in the United States. Together with city tax, residents in the Bronx can face a top marginal tax rate of 12.696%. Conversely, Hawaii has numerous tax brackets with a top rate of 11%, which is also among the nation's highest.
Despite New York's high income tax, its property tax rates are relatively moderate. Homeowners in the Bronx encounter property taxes around 0.90%. In contrast, Honolulu homeowners enjoy one of the nation's lowest property tax rates of approximately 0.28%, albeit on high property values.
New York City, including the Bronx, imposes a sales tax rate of 8.875%. On the other hand, Hawaii imposes a General Excise Tax instead of sales tax, which in Honolulu, amounts to 4.712% on most transactions. Consumers generally find this more favorable.
Income | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Estimated median household income | $43,011 | $78,820 |
Estimated per capita income | $23,354 | $43,518 |
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 172.8 | 158.6 |
If you make $50,000 in Honolulu, you will have to make $54,477 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
The Bronx, located at the confluence of the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, has flat lands and gentle hills, numerous parks, and a relatively urban landscape. Honolulu lies on the island of Oahu, surrounded by the mesmerizing Pacific Ocean, and flanked by volcanic mountains, providing breathtaking scenic beauty.
Geographical information | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Land area | 42 sq. miles | 85.7 sq. miles |
Population density | 32,928 people per sq. mile | 4,372.1 people per sq. mile |
Elevation | 120 feet | 18 feet |
The Bronx offers a wide range of educational opportunities with many renowned public and private schools. It also hosts several higher education institutions, including Fordham University and the City University of New York. Honolulu also offers excellent educational options and is home to the University of Hawaii, although it lacks the education density provided by a city like New York.
Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 31.1% |
Graduate or professional degree | 5.9% | 10.7% |
High school or higher | 62.3% | 83.4% |
The Bronx economy is diverse, with significant industries including healthcare, education, and retail trade. Honolulu's economy leans heavily on tourism, with resident employment also spread across government, healthcare, and retail trade. Unemployment rates in both areas are quite competitive, but job growth is more robust in the Bronx.
Some of the biggest employers in the Bronx include Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and Fordham University. Honolulu's largest employers are primarily government and tourism-based, with the State of Hawaii, the US government, Hawaiian Airlines, and the Hilton Hawaiian Village among the top.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Honolulu (Honolulu County), 68.9% voted for Democrats and 29.8% for Republicans.
The climate varies drastically between the two locations. The Bronx experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and potentially harsh winters. Contrastingly, Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate, with warm, sunny weather year-round, interrupted only by occasional rainfall. The agreeable climate is a major attraction for both potential residents and tourists.
Weather and climate | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Temperature - Average | 54.7°F | 73.9°F |
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 67.2% | 70.5% |
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 26.4% | 27% |
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 75.6% | 79% |
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 49.2% | 52% |
Precipitation - Yearly average | 47 in | 66.2 in |
Snowfall - Yearly average | 54.5 in | 0 in |
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 16.5% | 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 | 10.7 mph | 11.1 mph |
Natural disasters | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 58.3% | 3.7% |
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 31% | 1,260.2% |
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 14% | 16% |
Both cities have public transportation systems, but the Bronx, as part of NYC, has a more developed network with subways, buses, and cabs facilitating commuting. Honolulu also has a reasonable bus system, but due to its geography, many residents and visitors rely on personal vehicles or rentals.
Transport | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Amtrak stations nearby | 3 | 0 |
FAA registered aircraft | 39 | 343 |
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 0 | 7 |
Housing market options vary between the borough and the island city. The Bronx offers a mix of apartment-style living and single-family homes, often at more affordable rates than other NYC boroughs. Honolulu’s real estate, driven by its popularity as a vacation destination, is considerably more expensive, offering a mix of high-end condominiums and luxury single-family homes.
The Bronx is known for its diverse and distinct neighborhoods, including Riverdale, Throgs Neck, and Arthur Avenue – Little Italy of the Bronx. Every neighborhood offers unique cultural experiences, with numerous heritage-rich sites. Honolulu's neighborhoods like Waikiki, Manoa, and Diamond Head offer unique island experiences, complete with beachfront views and hilly landscapes.
Houses and residents | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Houses | 490,659 | 158,659 |
Average household size (people) | 2.8 | 2.6 |
Houses occupied | 463,212 (94.4%) | 140,328 (88.4%) |
Houses occupied by owners | 90,522 (19.5%) | 65,860 (46.9%) |
Houses occupied by renters | 372,690 (80.5%) | 74,468 (53.1%) |
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,273 | $1,820 |
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $708,992 | $674,769 |
Estimated median house or condo value | $465,000 | $903,138 |
Median number of rooms in apartments | 3.7 | 2.7 |
Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 5.1 | 4.4 |
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 11,675 | 1,851.3 |
Household income disparities | 50.2% | 44.4% |
Housing units without a mortgage | 12,021 (34%) | 16,363 (40.7%) |
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 105 (0.3%) | 182 (0.5%) |
Housing units with a mortgage | 23,339 (66%) | 23,799 (59.3%) |
Housing units with a home equity loan | 2,053 (5.8%) | 4,350 (10.8%) |
Housing units with a second mortgage | 2,159 (6.1%) | 2,936 (7.3%) |
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 1.4% | 1.9% |
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 1.7% | 0.8% |
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Property tax | $183,800 (0.8%) | $317,300 (0.3%) |
Healthcare, education, and retail are the dominant industries in the Bronx, whereas Honolulu leans toward hospitality and tourism. In both places, one will find occupations across a wide range of corporate, public service, and creative roles. However, the numbers of professionals in different industries heavily depend on the primary industry in each area.
The Bronx boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including some top-ranked hospitals in the country. The healthcare and social assistance sectors are the largest employers in the borough. Honolulu, too, has quality healthcare facilities, although there are fewer hospitals spread over a wider geographical area compared to the Bronx.
Health (county statistics) | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.2 | 3.5 |
Average weight of females (lbs) | 160 lbs | 146.2 lbs |
Average weight of males (lbs) | 188.8 lbs | 182 lbs |
Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 67% | 75.1% |
Residents exercised in the past month | 67.5% | 80% |
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 73.2% | 69.9% |
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 39.6% | 41% |
Due to its age and dense population, the Bronx struggles with aging infrastructure, which has led to issues with affordable housing and public transportation. Honolulu, with its smaller population, presents a relatively well-developed infrastructure with less congestion, but faces challenges with road maintenance due to the tropical climate.
Infrastructure | ||
Type | Bronx | Honolulu |
---|---|---|
Hospitals | 57 | 11 |
TV stations | 30 | 13 |
Bank branches located here | 118 | 111 |
Bank institutions located here | 24 | 11 |
Main business address for public companies | 2 | 9 |
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past | 1 | 12 |
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past | 4 | 13 |
The Bronx brims with cultural diversity, reflected in its music, food, and festivals. Bronx cuisine is a fusion of traditional dishes from various cultures, offering endless culinary experiences. Honolulu, too, embodies the merger of Eastern and Western cultures, displayed through captivating Polynesian traditions and Pacific Rim cuisine.
The Bronx is home to the world-renowned New York Yankees, and its residents are passionate about baseball. However, you will find fans of many other sports due to its proximity to other NYC teams. Honolulu, while lacking major professional teams, is big on water sports and college sports, with the University of Hawaii's teams drawing significant local interest.