Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,267 in Hawaii. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $82,071 in Hawaii — about 46% higher in Hawaii. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
11.00%
+6.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,267
+26% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$138,600
$644,600
+365% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$82,071
+85% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
75.8°F
+12.5°F in Hawaii
Alabama vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Hawaii?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 21% below Hawaii's $1,267, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Hawaii?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $51,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Hawaii?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Alabama/Hawaii — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.