Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,570 in Hawaii versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,428 in Hawaii and $90,685 in Virginia — about 6% higher in Virginia. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5.3%
+1.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
5.75%
+5.3 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,570
$1,357
+14% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$834,100
$366,300
+56% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,428
$90,685
+6% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
77.7°F
59.9°F
+17.8°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,357 runs about 14% 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 Virginia?
- 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 $54,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Virginia?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Virginia — 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.