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Moving from Kentucky to Hawaii

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix. vs. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

KY state flag
Living now

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

HI state flag
Moving to

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

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

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

Hawaii has an overall price level 110.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Kentucky
90.2
Hawaii
110.0
Hawaii has 22% higher overall price level
Housing index
Kentucky
64.3
Hawaii
125.3
Hawaii has 95% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Kentucky
96.0
Hawaii
111.6
Hawaii has 16% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.5
Hawaii
101.5
Hawaii has 3.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Kentucky
15 ¢/kWh
Hawaii
46.6 ¢/kWh
Hawaii has 210% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kentucky
98.0
Hawaii
102.0
Hawaii has 4.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Kentucky
$226,000
Hawaii
$875,900
Hawaii is 288% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kentucky
$998/mo
Hawaii
$1,942/mo
Hawaii is 95% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Kentucky
87°F
Hawaii
87°F
Avg winter low
Kentucky
26°F
Hawaii
65°F
Hawaii is 150% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kentucky
56°F
Hawaii
72°F
Hawaii is 28% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kentucky
189
Hawaii
271
Hawaii has 43% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kentucky
48 in
Hawaii
57 in
Hawaii is 18% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kentucky
82
Hawaii
11
Hawaii has 87% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Kentucky
1
Hawaii
86
Hawaii has 8500% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Kentucky
9 in
Hawaii
0 in
Hawaii is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full KentuckyHawaii report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii than Kentucky?

Hawaii's overall price level is roughly 113.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.5 for Kentucky, 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?

Kentucky tops out at 3.5% income tax. Hawaii tops out at 11%.

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

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

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