Side-by-side tax comparison between Hawaii (11% top rate, graduated) and New York (10.9% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Hawaii uses a graduated income tax (1.4-11%) while New York has a graduated system (4-10.9% + NYC local). On a $100K salary, Hawaii takes $7,150 in state and local taxes compared to New York’s $7,085 \u2014 a difference of $65.
Both states use graduated brackets, but Hawaii’s top rate of 11% is higher than New York’s 10.9%.
New York also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Hawaii does not.
New York wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Hawaii | New York | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $31,460 | $31,486 | +$26 | New York |
| $50K | $38,780 | $38,813 | +$33 | New York |
| $60K | $46,100 | $46,139 | +$39 | New York |
| $75K | $56,175 | $56,224 | +$49 | New York |
| $100K | $71,975 | $72,040 | +$65 | New York |
| $120K | $84,615 | $84,693 | +$78 | New York |
| $150K | $103,026 | $103,124 | +$98 | New York |
| $200K | $134,587 | $134,717 | +$130 | New York |
| $250K | $165,389 | $165,552 | +$163 | New York |
| $300K | $193,879 | $194,074 | +$195 | New York |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Hawaii has a cost of living index of 192 while New York is at 125 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in Hawaii has purchasing power of $37,487 compared to $57,632 in New York. New York wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $77,560 in Hawaii and $77,625 in New York \u2014 a difference of $65. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Hawaii to New York would save $65/year on a $100K salary, or $325 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $65/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.