Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $978 in New Jersey. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $48,416 in New Jersey — about 41% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.625%
+2.6 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
10.75%
+0.3 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$978
+23% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$337,800
+48% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$48,416
+41% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
54.9°F
+20.9°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or New Jersey?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $978 runs about 23% 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 Jersey?
- 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 $39,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or New Jersey?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/New Jersey — 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.