Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,570 in Hawaii. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $85,428 in Hawaii — about 10% higher in Hawaii. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
4%
+1.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
11.00%
+8.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,570
+25% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$364,300
$834,100
+129% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$85,428
+11% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
77.7°F
+2.6°F in Hawaii
Arizona vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Hawaii?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 20% below Hawaii's $1,570, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $63,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Hawaii?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/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.