Moving From Hawaii to Texas

Why Hawaii residents move to Texas

Large job markets, no state income tax and much more house for the money pull Hawaii families to Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Property taxes are high, which offsets part of the savings.

Cost of living: Texas vs. Hawaii

Purchase prices well below Honolulu; property tax rates are among the highest in the country.

Income tax: No state personal income tax. Sales tax: 6.25% state rate plus local up to 2%.

Climate shock

Hot, humid summers in Houston; hot and drier in DFW, Austin and San Antonio; winter is mild but freezes and ice storms happen.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

Hawaii clubs and Pacific Islander communities exist in the major metros, especially near military bases.

Jobs

Energy, healthcare, tech, finance, logistics, aerospace and multiple military installations.

Getting your things there

Goods usually land at Long Beach/Los Angeles and travel about 20+ hours by truck 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 TX driver's license and register your car — check the deadline with Texas DPS — driver license.
• Understand your first-year tax filing with Texas Comptroller.
• File a part-year resident return in Hawaii for the year you leave.