Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $870 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $74,714 in South Dakota — about 9% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4.2%
+0.2 pp in South Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
None
+11.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$870
+31% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$271,400
+58% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$74,714
+9% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
45.8°F
+30.0°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 31% 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 South Dakota?
- 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 South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or South Dakota?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/South Dakota — 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.