Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $889 in Maine. Overall, Maine runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $58,096 in Maine — about 29% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5.5%
+1.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
7.15%
+3.8 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$889
+30% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$214,200
+67% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$58,096
+29% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
45.8°F
+30.0°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Maine — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Maine?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 30% below Hawaii's $1,267, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Maine?
- 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 $36,000 in Maine.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Maine?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Maine — 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.