Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Hawaii runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $68,854 in Vermont — about 16% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
8.75%
+2.3 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$1,275
+1% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$644,600
$400,200
+38% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$68,854
+16% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
46.0°F
+29.8°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Vermont?
- Hawaii is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,267 runs about 1% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Vermont?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in Hawaii/Vermont — 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.