Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Hawaii runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $95,150 in Maryland — about 14% higher in Maryland. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
6.50%
+4.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$1,418
+12% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$644,600
$365,200
+43% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$95,150
+16% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
57.1°F
+18.7°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Maryland?
- Hawaii is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,267 runs about 11% below Maryland's $1,418, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Maryland?
- 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 $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Maryland?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Maryland — 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.