Hawaii vs New Hampshire
Property‑Tax Comparison: Hawaii vs. New Hampshire
Short introduction
Both Hawaii and New Hampshire levy property taxes that fund local services, but the two states differ markedly in tax rates and the resulting annual payments. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑fifth of New Hampshire’s, while median home values in Hawaii are more than double those in New Hampshire. The table below summarizes the key metrics used in the comparison.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Hawaii | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.27 % | 1.77 % |
| Median home value | $808,200 | $367,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,183 | $6,505 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $675 | $4,429 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,351 | $8,858 |
| Median household income | $98,317 | $95,628 |
| Reference | Hawaii property tax | New Hampshire property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Hawaii
Reasoning
- Hawaii’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.27 % is 1.50 percentage points lower than New Hampshire’s 1.77 % rate, representing an 84.75 % relative difference.
- For a $250,000 home, the annual tax in Hawaii ($675) is $3,754 less than in New Hampshire ($4,429).
- For a $500,000 home, the annual tax in Hawaii ($1,351) is $7,507 less than in New Hampshire ($8,858).
- Median annual property taxes are also lower in Hawaii ($2,183 vs. $6,505).
Because the comparison is based on the effective tax rate, Hawaii consistently yields a lower tax burden across the price points shown.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower effective tax rate in Hawaii reduces the recurring cost of owning a home, though higher median home values may offset some of the savings. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower property‑tax rate can lessen the annual cash‑flow impact of housing costs, making Hawaii potentially more attractive from a tax‑burden standpoint. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors focused on cash‑on‑cash returns may prefer New Hampshire for its higher tax revenue per property value, which can translate into higher local service levels that affect property desirability. |
| Policy analysts | The stark contrast in effective tax rates provides a clear example of how state‑level tax policy can influence household expenses independent of income levels. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Hawaii imposes a significantly lower property‑tax rate than New Hampshire, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values. While Hawaii’s lower rates benefit homeowners and retirees seeking lower recurring taxes, the higher median home price in the state is an additional factor that prospective buyers must consider when evaluating overall affordability.
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.