Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $863 in Oklahoma. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $65,060 in Oklahoma — about 21% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4.5%
+0.5 pp in Oklahoma
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
4.50%
+6.5 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$863
+32% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$215,100
+67% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$65,060
+21% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
61.5°F
+14.3°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Oklahoma — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $863 runs about 32% 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 Oklahoma?
- 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 $35,000 in Oklahoma.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Oklahoma?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Oklahoma — 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.