Moving From Hawaii to Nevada

Why Hawaii residents move to Nevada

Las Vegas is so common a destination for Hawaii residents that it's long been nicknamed 'the ninth island'. No state income tax, lower housing costs than Honolulu, and an established local community draw people.

Cost of living: Nevada vs. Hawaii

Generally lower purchase prices and rents than Honolulu, with mostly newer, larger homes and HOAs in many neighborhoods.

Income tax: No state personal income tax. Sales tax: 6.85% state rate plus county rates.

Climate shock

Desert: summer highs well above 100°F, cool winters with occasional freezing nights; very dry. Reno is higher, colder and gets snow.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

A large, long-established Hawaii community in the Las Vegas Valley, with Hawaiian restaurants, hula halau, clubs and festivals.

Jobs

Hospitality and gaming dominate, alongside healthcare, construction, logistics and Nellis AFB.

Getting your things there

Typically delivered from Long Beach/Los Angeles, about a 4–5 hour drive.

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

First steps after you arrive

• Get a NV driver's license and register your car — check the deadline with Nevada DMV — new residents.
• Understand your first-year tax filing with Nevada Department of Taxation.
• File a part-year resident return in Hawaii for the year you leave.