Alaska vs Hawaii
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Hawaii
Intro
Both Alaska and Hawaii have relatively low property‑tax burdens compared with many states in the contiguous United States. However, the two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the amount of tax paid on typical properties. The following tables and analysis draw on the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS 5‑year) | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.27 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $808,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,183 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $675 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $1,351 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $98,317 |
| Relevant internal link | Alaska property tax | Hawaii property tax |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.87 percentage points, which represents a 76.22 % lower rate in Hawaii than in Alaska.
- Annual tax on a $250 k home: Hawaii’s rate yields a tax that is $2,164 less than Alaska’s ($675 vs. $2,839).
- Annual tax on a $500 k home: The difference widens to $4,327 ($1,351 vs. $5,678).
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of the tax amounts shown, Hawaii’s lower rate makes it the “winner” in a direct tax‑burden comparison.
Which Audiences Might Find This Comparison Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how property‑tax rates affect overall housing costs, especially when budgeting for homes at different price points. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property taxes are a recurring expense; lower rates can reduce the ongoing financial burden relative to home value. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differences influence cash‑flow calculations and after‑tax returns on investment properties. |
| Policy analysts / public‑finance students | The data illustrate how tax structures vary across states with differing median home values and income levels. |
The comparison does not address other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., sales tax, income tax, insurance, or utility costs) that may also affect these groups.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023 5‑year estimates – property‑tax rates, median home values, median household incomes, and derived tax amounts.
All calculations are based on the effective tax rates provided by the ACS and the median home values for each state.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.