Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,440 in Oregon. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $88,792 in Oregon — about 4% higher in Oregon. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
None
+4.0 pp in Hawaii
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
9.90%
+1.1 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$1,440
+8% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$557,600
+33% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$88,792
+4% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
54.5°F
+23.2°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Oregon?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,440 runs about 8% 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 Oregon?
- 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 $58,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Oregon?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Oregon — 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.