Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,570 in Hawaii. Overall, Colorado runs roughly 17% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $85,428 in Hawaii. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
4%
+1.1 pp in Hawaii
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
11.00%
+6.6 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,570
+20% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$586,700
$834,100
+42% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$85,428
+0% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
77.7°F
+27.5°F in Hawaii
Colorado vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Hawaii?
- Colorado is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,305 runs about 17% 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 Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $63,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Hawaii?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 Colorado/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.