Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 26% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
7%
+3.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
None
+11.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$1,142
+27% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$270,100
+68% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$63,204
+26% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
61.3°F
+16.5°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 27% 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 Tennessee?
- 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 $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Tennessee?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Hawaii/Tennessee — 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.