Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,688 in California versus $1,570 in Hawaii. Overall, Hawaii runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than California, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $83,969 in California and $85,428 in Hawaii — about 2% higher in Hawaii. California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7.25%
4%
+3.3 pp in California
Income Tax (top rate)
13.30%
11.00%
+2.3 pp in California
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,688
$1,570
+7% in California
Median Home Value
$771,700
$834,100
+8% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$83,969
$85,428
+2% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
64.4°F
77.7°F
+13.3°F in Hawaii
California vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in California or Hawaii?
- Hawaii is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,570 runs about 7% below California's $1,688, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in California 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 $68,000 a year in California versus $63,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, California or Hawaii?
- California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% 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 9/1 cities we track in California/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.