Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,267 in Hawaii versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Hawaii, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $82,071 in Hawaii and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 24% higher in Hawaii. Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in Wisconsin
Income Tax (top rate)
11.00%
7.65%
+3.3 pp in Hawaii
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,267
$849
+33% in Hawaii
Median Home Value
$644,600
$191,500
+70% in Hawaii
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$82,071
$62,546
+24% in Hawaii
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.8°F
46.5°F
+29.3°F in Hawaii
Hawaii vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 33% 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 Wisconsin?
- 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 $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Hawaii or Wisconsin?
- Hawaii has a top state income tax rate of 11.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/3 cities we track in Hawaii/Wisconsin — 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.