Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $761 in Kansas. Overall, Kansas runs roughly 40% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $63,072 in Kansas — about 23% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Kansas has a top state income tax rate of 5.58% and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.5%
+2.5 pp in Kansas
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
5.58%
+5.4 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$761
+40% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$179,500
+72% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$63,072
+23% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
57.0°F
+18.8°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Kansas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Kansas?
- Kansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $761 runs about 40% 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 Kansas?
- 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 $30,000 in Kansas.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Kansas?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Kansas has a top state income tax rate of 5.58% and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Kansas — 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.