Moving From Hawaii to Tennessee

Why Hawaii residents move to Tennessee

Nashville's growth, no wage income tax and lower costs attract young professionals and families.

Cost of living: Tennessee vs. Hawaii

Below Honolulu, though Nashville has risen fast.

Income tax: No state tax on wages. Sales tax: 7% state rate plus local, among the highest combined in the U.S..

Climate shock

Humid summers, cool winters with occasional snow and ice; tornado season in spring.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

A small but growing Hawaii community; Fort Campbell sits on the TN–KY line.

Jobs

Healthcare management, music and entertainment, logistics, auto manufacturing.

Getting your things there

About 29 hours by truck from Long Beach/Los Angeles, or by rail.

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

First steps after you arrive

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