Moving From Hawaii to Arizona

Why Hawaii residents move to Arizona

Phoenix-area growth, lower housing costs than Honolulu, and a low flat income tax attract working families and retirees.

Cost of living: Arizona vs. Hawaii

Below Honolulu on both rent and purchase, with lots of newer construction.

Income tax: Flat 2.5%. Sales tax: 5.6% state transaction privilege tax plus local.

Climate shock

Extreme summer heat in Phoenix (many days over 110°F is possible), mild winters. Flagstaff and the high country get snow.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

Hawaiian food and Pacific Islander churches and clubs are present in the Phoenix metro.

Jobs

Semiconductors, healthcare, finance back-office, logistics, construction, Luke AFB.

Getting your things there

Usually delivered from Long Beach/Los Angeles, about 6 hours to Phoenix.

Neighbor-island goods ride a barge to Honolulu first. See the shipping guides for timing.

First steps after you arrive

• Get a AZ driver's license and register your car — check the deadline with Arizona MVD.
• Understand your first-year tax filing with Arizona Department of Revenue.
• File a part-year resident return in Hawaii for the year you leave.