Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $877 in Kentucky. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 44% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $64,731 in Kentucky — about 24% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
3.50%
+7.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$877
+44% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$221,500
+73% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$64,731
+24% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
58.2°F
+19.5°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Kentucky — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Kentucky?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 44% below Hawaii's $1,570, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Kentucky?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $63,000 a year in Hawaii versus $35,000 in Kentucky.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Kentucky?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Kentucky — 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.