HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu is known for its beaches, sunsets and aloha spirit. But when it comes to being one of the best places for singles, the city does not shine as brightly.
In a new national ranking of 100 major cities in the United States, Urban Honolulu placed 70th.
Researchers looked at eight categories:
- Percentage of singles.
- One-bedroom rent.
- Restaurants.
- Nightlife.
- Entertainment.
- Cost of living.
- Income.
- Unemployment.
Each city earned letter grades across those categories, then an overall score; and each city is scored based on all age ranges. Here’s how Honolulu ranked.
Breaking down the numbers
Honolulu’s single population grade was an F. That means a smaller share of residents are single compared to other cities.
Honolulu also earned failing grades for nightlife and entertainment. Those results show there are fewer options per person when it comes to going out for fun or meeting people. But most singles in Honolulu probably already know this.
Restaurants scored better, with a grade of B. This grade placed Honolulu above average in that category.
Median nonfamily income also earned a B. Unemployment stood out with an A grade as it shows that singles in Honolulu are more likely to find work.
Cost of living landed in the middle at a C, and rent also scored a C. The median cost for a one-bedroom apartment keeps Honolulu from ranking higher in affordability.
Overall, Honolulu received a D score.
How Honolulu compares
Honolulu’s 70th place contrasts sharply with the top cities.
In the study, St. Louis ranked #1 with nearly half its residents single, affordable $1,000 rent and top-five scores for nightlife and entertainment.
Knoxville, Salt Lake City and Atlanta also ranked in the top five with each balancing strong social scenes, affordability or higher incomes.
By comparison, Honolulu lags in categories most tied to daily social life.
Cities like Asheville, North Carolina ranked #8 overall and scored first in both restaurants and entertainment. Honolulu, with its F grades in nightlife and entertainment, did not measure up in these categories.
What the ranking shows
The ranking highlights the challenge of being single in Honolulu. A smaller pool of singles, high rents and limited nightlife options weighed down the score.
Even with solid marks for restaurants, income and jobs, the city’s balance did not match the nation’s leaders.
You can click here to access to full report.
Urban Honolulu’s overall D range placement points to a reality: for singles seeking affordability and social variety, the Honolulu is not amongst the strongest choices in 2025, according to the study.