Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,978 in Massachusetts. Overall, Hawaii runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $94,755 in Massachusetts — about 13% higher in Massachusetts. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Hawaii vs Massachusetts — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Massachusetts?
- Hawaii is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,267 runs about 36% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Massachusetts?
- 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 $79,000 in Massachusetts.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Massachusetts?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Massachusetts — 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.