Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,019 in Louisiana. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $55,339 in Louisiana — about 35% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in Louisiana
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
3.00%
+8.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$1,019
+35% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$296,400
+64% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$55,339
+35% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
70.6°F
+7.1°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Louisiana?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,019 runs about 35% 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 Louisiana?
- 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 $41,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Louisiana?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Louisiana — 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.