Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, New Hampshire runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 6% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
None
+4.0 pp in Hawaii
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
None
+11.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$1,150
+9% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$336,300
+48% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$77,415
+6% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
49.2°F
+26.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,150 runs about 9% 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 New Hampshire?
- 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 $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or New Hampshire?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/New Hampshire — 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.