Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,267 in Hawaii. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $82,071 in Hawaii — about 33% higher in Hawaii. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
4%
+4.0 pp in Hawaii
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
11.00%
+4.4 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,267
+24% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$224,500
$644,600
+187% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$82,071
+48% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
75.8°F
+20.9°F in Hawaii
Delaware vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Hawaii?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 19% 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 Delaware 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 $41,000 a year in Delaware versus $51,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Hawaii?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no 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 Delaware/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.