Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $889 in Montana. Overall, Montana 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 $71,855 in Montana — about 12% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
None
+4.0 pp in Hawaii
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
5.65%
+5.3 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$889
+30% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$311,800
+52% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$71,855
+12% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
48.2°F
+27.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Montana?
- Montana 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 Montana?
- 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 Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Montana?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Montana — 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.