Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,073 in Maryland. Overall, Maryland runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $59,623 in Maryland — about 30% higher in Hawaii. 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
$1,570
$1,073
+32% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$219,300
+74% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$59,623
+30% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
61.4°F
+16.3°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Maryland?
- Maryland is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,073 runs about 32% 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 Maryland?
- 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 $43,000 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 1/1 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.