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Moving from Hawaii to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

HI state flag
Living now

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Hawaii
110.0
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 19% lower overall price level
Housing index
Hawaii
125.3
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 51% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.5
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 5.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Hawaii
101.5
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 3.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 59% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.0
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 4.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Hawaii
$875,900
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 73% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 44% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Hawaii
87°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 4.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Hawaii
65°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 46% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Hawaii
72°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Hawaii
271
Alabama
213
Alabama has 21% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Hawaii
57 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 2.1% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Hawaii
17
Alabama
42
Alabama has 147% higher AQI
Snow / year
Hawaii
0 in
Alabama
1 in

Get the full HawaiiAlabama report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Hawaii?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 113.2 for Hawaii — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Hawaii tops out at 11% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alabama?

Most Alabama residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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