Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,030 in Rhode Island. Overall, Rhode Island runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $66,772 in Rhode Island — about 19% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
7%
+3.0 pp in Rhode Island
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
5.99%
+5.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$1,030
+19% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$322,800
+50% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$66,772
+19% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
51.6°F
+24.2°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Rhode Island — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,030 runs about 19% 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 Rhode Island?
- 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 $41,000 in Rhode Island.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Rhode Island?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Rhode Island has a top state income tax rate of 5.99% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Rhode Island — 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.