Compare Hawaii vs Utah Paychecks
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 At the $100,000 level, Hawaii's 11.00% versus Utah's 4.85% produces approximately $6,150 variance yearly. Utah draws residents through outdoor recreation. residents populations cluster in Utah for tax reasons; skiers concentrate in Hawaii for outdoor recreation.
Hawaii charges 11.00% while Utah sits at 4.85%. For $100,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $6,150 per year. It's a meaningful gap, though hardly the only consideration in a state-to-state comparison.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Hawaii at 11.00% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Utah saves you ~$6,150
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Hawaii | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1.4% - 11% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,480
Take Home: $37,520
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
+$540
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,720
Take Home: $56,280
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
+$810
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $6,200
Take Home: $93,800
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
+$1,350
|
| Cost of Living | Hawaii consistently ranks as America's most expensive state. Oahu housing, particularly around Honolulu, commands extreme prices - median home values exceed $800,000, with desirable properties surpassing $1 million. Monthly rent for modest apartments often runs $2,000-2,500. Neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) offer similar expense levels. Groceries cost 50-80% more than mainland due to shipping. Gas prices run $1-2 above national averages. Utilities cost more. Dining out impacts budgets heavily. Vehicle shipping adds thousands if relocating. Many residents work multiple jobs or accept substandard housing to afford Hawaii. The paradise lifestyle requires either substantial income, multiple household earners, or significant compromise on living standards. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Hawaii
✓ Advantages
- Beautiful tropical climate
- Unique island culture
- Strong tourism industry
- High quality of life
⚠ Considerations
- Highest cost of living in US
- Very high state income tax (up to 11%)
- Extremely expensive housing
- Isolated location
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
On pure tax math, Utah comes out ahead by about $6,150 per year at $100,000 (4.85% versus 11.00%). Hawaii makes up ground through outdoor recreation, which matters considerably to many people. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize direct savings or value what Hawaii offers in {factor} and overall lifestyle.📢 Share This Comparison
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