Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $804 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 20% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in North Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
2.50%
+8.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$804
+37% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$269,800
+58% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$66,029
+20% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
42.4°F
+33.4°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 37% 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 North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or North Dakota?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/North Dakota — 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.