Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $889 in New Mexico. Overall, New Mexico 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 $65,604 in New Mexico — about 20% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4.875%
+0.9 pp in New Mexico
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
5.90%
+5.1 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$889
+30% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$266,700
+59% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$65,604
+20% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
57.2°F
+18.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs New Mexico — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or New Mexico?
- New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
- 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 New Mexico.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or New Mexico?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/New Mexico — 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.