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Hawaii to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Poke vs Chimichanga), real estate & housing (plantation and modern vs spanish colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Poke and Loco Moco, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in Arizona is 34.74% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Hawaii to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Arizona

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Island isolation
  • Expensive housing
  • Long travel distances
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Lower cost of living
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Connected transportation
  • Affordable housing
  • Central location

Arizona iconArizona
  • Lacks coastal access
  • Hot summers
  • Cultural adaptation
  • Desert environment
  • Urban sprawl
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse culture
  • Lush landscapes
  • Community vibe

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from the limited job market and moving to Arizona with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the island isolation of Hawaii for connected transportation in Arizona
  • Get ready for affordable housing in Arizona

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with the lack of coastal access in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of the mild climate and have to settle with the con of hot summers
  • Time to bid farewell to the diverse culture and get used to cultural adaptation in Arizona
  • Swap lush landscapes for a desert environment

Hawaii vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Most iconic local food itemPokeChimichanga
Most popular meat dishLoco MocoCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemSpam MusubiSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodPoiVegetable Tamales
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • Matt’s Big Breakfast
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Hawaii to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Loco Moco and sumptuous Spam Musubi, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Sonoran Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Poi they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Tamales of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Leonard's Bakery, and Duke's Waikiki. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Charro CafΓ©, Pizzeria Bianco, and Matt’s Big Breakfast.

When comparing lifestyles, Arizona shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Hawaii. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Arizona compared to what you are used to in Hawaii. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Arizona.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Arizona

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Typical Architecture StylePlantation and ModernSpanish Colonial and Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean Views, LanaisDesert Landscaping, Solar Panels
  • The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like desert landscaping and solar panels.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arizona is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arizona is less bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • Arizona has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • Arizona housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in Arizona is 34.74% more affordable than in Hawaii.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Hawaii and Arizona

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Volcanic EruptionsWildfires, Flash Floods
Air QualityGoodVaries (Urban vs Rural)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 70Β°F105Β°F / 75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F / 63Β°F68Β°F / 45Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)63"13"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0" (except mountain tops)0"-100" (Varies greatly by elevation)
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Hawaii to Arizona. Arizona gets 8% more sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flash floods in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 20 degrees warmer than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in Arizona are 18 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 50 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Arizona

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Avg. Household Income$92,458$74,568
Cost of Living Index165.7101.2
State Income Tax1.4% - 11%2.55% - 2.98%
Avg. Property Tax0.28%0.66%
Avg. Sales Tax4%5.6%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Defense, AgricultureReal Estate, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 19% less than those in Hawaii
  • The COLI in Arizona is 39% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.55% to 2.98% compared to 1.4% to 11% in HI
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to high in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is high in Arizona compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Hawaii and noticeable in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Arizona

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Political Make-upDemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsLiberalModerate to Conservative
ReligionChristianity, BuddhismChristianity
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as Christianity
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity and Buddhism

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Arizona

ComparisonHawaiiArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMomilani Elementary School (Pearl City)
Mililani Mauka Elementary School (Mililani)
Noelani Elementary School (Honolulu)
Basis Scottsdale Primary - East Campus (Scottsdale)
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
Archway Classical Academy Veritas (Phoenix)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)
Top 3 High School SchoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus (Honolulu)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)
Top 3 private high schoolsIolani School (Honolulu)
Punahou School (Honolulu)
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus (Honolulu)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLe Jardin Academy (Kailua)
Hanalani Schools (Mililani)
Island Pacific Academy (Kapolei)
Veritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix)
Chandler Preparatory Academy (Chandler)
Northland Preparatory Academy (Flagstaff)
Top 3 School DistrictsHonolulu School District
Central Oahu School District
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)
Scottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools

Top Hawaii to Arizona Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Hawaii to Arizona movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details