Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,267 in Hawaii. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $82,071 in Hawaii — about 26% higher in Hawaii. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
4%
+2.5 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
11.00%
+7.1 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,267
+40% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$221,200
$644,600
+191% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$82,071
+35% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
75.8°F
+13.1°F in Hawaii
Arkansas vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Hawaii?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 29% 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 Arkansas 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 $36,000 a year in Arkansas versus $51,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Hawaii?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% 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 Arkansas/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.