Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 29% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Pennsylvania
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
3.07%
+7.9 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$1,189
+24% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$232,400
+72% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$60,698
+29% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
57.1°F
+20.6°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,189 runs about 24% 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Pennsylvania?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Pennsylvania — 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.