Hawaii to Connecticut Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to Connecticut? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs Connecticut across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Poke vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (plantation, modern, and asian influences vs colonial, cape cod, and contemporary), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Poke and Kalua Pig, but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & Steamed Cheeseburger
- Connecticut housing costs are 54% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
- Rent in Connecticut is 31.99% more affordable than in Hawaii
- Our top recommended Hawaii to Connecticut movers is Smooth Move & Delivery
Hawaii to Connecticut Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Connecticut
- High cost of living
- Isolation
- Limited career opportunities
- Hot, humid climate
- More affordable housing
- Proximity to major cities
- Diverse job market
- Four distinct seasons
- No beaches
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Harsh winters
- Far from the ocean
- Beautiful beaches
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Warm year-round
- Amazing marine life
Pros of moving from Hawaii to Connecticut
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from isolation and moving to Connecticut with proximity to major cities
- Swap the limited career opportunities of Hawaii for a diverse job market in Connecticut
- Get ready for four distinct seasons in Connecticut
Cons of moving from Hawaii to Connecticut
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with no beaches in Connecticut
- You'll lose out on the pro of a relaxed lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a fast-paced lifestyle
- Time to bid farewell to warm weather year-round and get used to harsh winters in Connecticut
- Swap amazing marine life for being far from the ocean
Hawaii vs. Connecticut: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Poke | Lobster Roll |
Most popular meat dish | Kalua Pig | Steamed Cheeseburger |
Most popular street food item | Shave Ice | Hot Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Taro Dishes | Quinoa Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Hawaii to Connecticut, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Connecticut. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Shave Ice, Connecticut residents know they have tasty Steamed Cheeseburger and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Taro Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Connecticut. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Aloha Table, and Duke's Waikiki. After the boxes are unpacked in Connecticut, don't wait too long before making your way to Connecticut's acclaimed eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Clam Castle, and Sally's Apizza.
When comparing lifestyles, Connecticut shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Hawaii. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Connecticut, compared to what you are used to in Hawaii. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Connecticut.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Connecticut
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Plantation, Modern, and Asian Influences | Colonial, Cape Cod, and Contemporary |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, lanai (patio), and tropical landscape | Historical charm, acreage, and proximity to amenities |
- The Plantation, Modern, and Asian Influences architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Cape Cod, and Contemporary architecture typical of Connecticut.
- Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean view, lanai (patio), and tropical landscape, Connecticut real estate listings often highlight features like historical charm, acreage, and proximity to amenities.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Connecticut is less walkable than Hawaii.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Connecticut is less bike-friendly than Hawaii.
- Connecticut has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
- Connecticut housing costs are 54% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $393,802 compared to Hawaiiβs $858,106.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Connecticut have increased by 55% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
- Rent in Connecticut is 31.99% more affordable than in Hawaii.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Hawaii and Connecticut
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Volcanoes, Tsunamis | Blizzards, Hurricanes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 70Β°F | 82Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 78Β°F / 63Β°F | 35Β°F / 18Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 63.7 | 50.3 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0 | 37 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Connecticut. Connecticut gets 27% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
- Connecticut has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
- Say goodbye to the possible volcanoes and tsunamis in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and hurricanes in Connecticut.
- The average summer high temperature in Connecticut is 3 degrees colder than in Hawaii.
- The average winter lows are 45 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Connecticut. Connecticut receives 13.4 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Connecticut
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $92,458 | $88,429 |
Cost of Living Index | 165.7 | 122.1 |
State Income Tax | 1.4% - 11% | 3% - 6.99% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.28% | 1.79% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 4.5% | 6.35% |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Military, Agriculture | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | High | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Connecticut tend to earn about 4% less than in Hawaii
- The COLI in Connecticut will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
- The state income tax in CT is 3% - 6.99% compared to 1.4% - 11% in HI
- The affluence in Connecticut is moderate compared to high in Hawaii
- The poverty level is low in Connecticut compared to moderate in Hawaii
- In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and low in Connecticut
Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Connecticut
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | High engagement in environmental and indigenous rights issues | High engagement in education and healthcare reform |
Religion | Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous spiritual practices | Christianity, with a significant number of non-religious residents |
- Hawaii tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- Connecticut, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
- Connecticut's religious environment can be described as Christianity, with a significant number of non-religious residents
- Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous spiritual practices
Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Connecticut
Comparison | Hawaii | Connecticut |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaii Pacific University Chaminade University of Honolulu | Yale University University of Connecticut Quinnipiac University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Momi Elementary Mililani Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School Hartford | Mililani Mauka Elementary Mililani |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Kaimuki Middle School Honolulu; Ewa Makai Middle Ewa Beach; Ilima Intermediate Ewa Beach | EASTCONN Arts at the Capitol Theater Magnet School Willimantic; Middlesex Middle School Darien; Talcott Mountain Academy of Science Mathematics and Technology Avon |
Top 3 High Schools | President Theodore Roosevelt High School Honolulu; Henry J. Kaiser High School Honolulu; Kalani High School Honolulu | Conard High School West Hartford; Darien High School Darien; Greenwich High School Greenwich |
Top 3 private high schools | Iolani School Honolulu; Punahou School Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools KapΔlama Campus Honolulu | The Hotchkiss School Lakeville; Choate Rosemary Hall Wallingford; The Hopkins School New Haven |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Le Jardin Academy Kailua; Island Pacific Academy Kapolei; Hawaii Preparatory Academy Kamuela | Greenwich Country Day School Greenwich; The Canaan Ridge School Stamford; St. Thomas's Day School New Haven |
Top 3 School Districts | Hawaii Department of Education (statewide) | New Canaan School District New Canaan; Westport School District Westport; Darien School District Darien |
Top Hawaii to Connecticut Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Hawaii to Connecticut movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Smooth Move & Delivery
Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Connecticut