Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $1,267 in Hawaii. Overall, Connecticut runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,584 in Connecticut and $82,071 in Hawaii — about 31% higher in Hawaii. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.35%
4%
+2.3 pp in Connecticut
Income Tax (top rate)
6.99%
11.00%
+4.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,181
$1,267
+7% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$252,400
$644,600
+155% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$56,584
$82,071
+45% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
75.8°F
+23.3°F in Hawaii
Connecticut vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Hawaii?
- Connecticut is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,181 runs about 7% 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 Connecticut 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 $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $51,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or Hawaii?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% 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 Connecticut/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.