Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Hawaii runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $83,857 in Washington — about 2% higher in Washington. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.5%
+2.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
None
+11.0 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$1,332
+5% in Washington
Median Home Value
$644,600
$454,600
+29% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$83,857
+2% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
52.1°F
+23.7°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Washington?
- Hawaii is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,267 runs about 5% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Hawaii than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Washington?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Washington — 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.