Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $916 in Georgia versus $1,267 in Hawaii. Overall, Georgia runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,622 in Georgia and $82,071 in Hawaii — about 31% higher in Hawaii. Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% state sales tax; Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.19%
11.00%
+5.8 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$916
$1,267
+38% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$182,300
$644,600
+254% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$56,622
$82,071
+45% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
65.2°F
75.8°F
+10.6°F in Hawaii
Georgia vs Hawaii — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Hawaii?
- Georgia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $916 runs about 28% 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 Georgia 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 $37,000 a year in Georgia versus $51,000 in Hawaii.
- Which has lower taxes, Georgia or Hawaii?
- Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% 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 3/2 cities we track in Georgia/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.