Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $984 in Nebraska. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $72,708 in Nebraska — about 15% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5.5%
+1.5 pp in Nebraska
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
4.55%
+6.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$984
+37% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$230,100
+72% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$72,708
+15% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
51.1°F
+26.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Nebraska — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Nebraska?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 37% 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 Nebraska?
- 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 $39,000 in Nebraska.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Nebraska?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Nebraska — 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.