Hawaii vs Maryland
Property Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Maryland
Intro
Both Hawaii and Maryland levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower tax burden, and outlines the types of residents for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.00 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $397,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $3,989 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $2,507 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $5,015 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $101,652 |
| Reference link | Hawaii property tax | Maryland property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins the Tax Rate Comparison?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.73 percentage points, which represents a 73.07 % lower effective rate compared with Maryland.
Why Hawaii wins
The effective property tax rate in Hawaii (0.27 %) is less than one‑third of Maryland’s rate (1.00 %). Consequently, property owners in Hawaii pay substantially less tax on homes of the same assessed value. For example, a $250,000 home incurs an annual tax of $675 in Hawaii versus $2,507 in Maryland—a difference of $1,832. The gap widens for higher‑valued homes: a $500,000 property results in $1,351 of tax in Hawaii compared with $5,015 in Maryland, a $3,664 difference.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of ownership helps evaluate affordability beyond purchase price. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce the cash‑flow burden, especially in states with higher median incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials affect net‑operating income and return on investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts and researchers | The data illustrate how tax structures vary across states, informing comparative fiscal studies. |
| Relocating professionals | Knowing both the tax rate and median home values provides a clearer picture of overall cost of living. |
Because the median household income in both states is relatively comparable (Hawaii $98,317 vs. Maryland $101,652), the relative tax burden becomes a more decisive factor for the groups listed above.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii’s effective property tax rate of 0.27 % is considerably lower than Maryland’s 1.00 %. This translates into substantially smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values. While median home prices are higher in Hawaii, the lower tax rate can offset part of the higher purchase cost for homeowners, retirees, and investors who prioritize ongoing tax expenses. All figures referenced herein are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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.