Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $782 in Indiana. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $60,293 in Indiana — about 27% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
7%
+3.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
2.95%
+8.1 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$782
+38% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$169,700
+74% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$60,293
+27% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
53.2°F
+22.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Indiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Indiana?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 38% 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 Hawaii than in Indiana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $51,000 a year in Hawaii versus $31,000 in Indiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Indiana?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Indiana — 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.