Hawaii vs Nevada
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. Nevada
Short introduction
Both Hawaii and Nevada 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), Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Nevada’s, even though median home values in Hawaii are roughly double those in Nevada. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower tax burden, and discuss the types of homeowners for whom this information is most relevant.
Side‑by‑side comparison (2023 ACS 5‑year)
| Metric | Hawaii | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 0.49 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $406,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $1,970 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $1,213 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $2,425 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $75,561 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: 0.21 percentage points lower than Nevada (a 44.32 % relative difference).
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $538 less in Hawaii.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $1,074 less in Hawaii.
The lower effective rate in Hawaii means that, dollar‑for‑dollar, homeowners pay less in property tax than comparable homeowners in Nevada, even though the absolute median tax amount is slightly higher in Hawaii because of its higher home values.
Who is this comparison most useful for?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax burden relative to home price helps assess affordability when choosing a location. |
| Retirees | Property taxes directly affect fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate can make a state more attractive for retirement planning. |
| Real‑estate investors | Knowing the effective tax rate assists in projecting cash‑flow and total cost of ownership across markets. |
| Policy analysts & local officials | The data provide a baseline for evaluating fiscal policy and its impact on households. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate qualitative factors such as climate, cost of living, or public‑service quality. Readers should combine these tax figures with other cost‑of‑living metrics when making location decisions.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Hawaii’s property‑tax structure: Hawaii property tax
- Detailed information on Nevada’s property‑tax structure: Nevada property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.27 % is lower than Nevada’s 0.49 %, making Hawaii the lower‑tax option for property owners when the rate alone is the primary consideration.
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.