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Hawaii to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Poke and Kalua Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Chicken & Barbecue Ribs
  • Tennessee housing costs are 63% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in Tennessee is 42.67% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Hawaii to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Tennessee

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Geographic isolation
  • Tourism reliance
  • Volcanic activity
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lower cost of living
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Central location
  • Industrial diversity
  • Stable land

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Landlocked state
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Less diverse fauna
  • More urban areas
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild climate
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Unique wildlife
  • Scenic nature spots

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Tennessee with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the geographic isolation of Hawaii for a central location in Tennessee
  • Get ready for industrial diversity in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live in a landlocked state in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a mild climate and have to settle for the con of four distinct seasons
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich cultural heritage and get used to cultural adjustment in Tennessee
  • Swap unique wildlife for less diverse fauna

Hawaii vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
Most iconic local food itemPokeHot Chicken
Most popular meat dishKalua PorkBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemShave IceBarbecue Nachos
Most popular vegan foodTofu PokeBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
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 Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Hot Chicken of Tennessee. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pork and sumptuous Shave Ice, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Barbecue Ribs and Barbecue Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Poke they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. 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 Matsumoto Shave Ice. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Corky's BBQ, and The Peach Truck (Seasonal).

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Tennessee

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, TerritorialColonial, Craftsman
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 view, LanaiLarge yards, Proximity to music scenes
  • The Plantation and Territorial architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to music scenes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tennessee is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • Tennessee has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 63% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 42.67% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
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 DisastersVolcanoes, TsunamisTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 70Β°F89Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F / 63Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)63.754.0
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0 (except mountains)6
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 26% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • Tennessee 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 tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 4 degrees warmer than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in Tennessee are 33 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 9.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Tennessee

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
Avg. Household Income$92,458$65,254
Cost of Living Index165.788.9
State Income Tax4.4%-11%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.28%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax4%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Defense, AgricultureHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyVisibleModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 29% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 46% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is modest compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to visible in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and moderate in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Tennessee

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal policies on social issuesConservative policies on social issues
ReligionA mix, with Buddhism and Christianity being prominentPrimarily Christian, with a strong evangelical presence
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong evangelical presence
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix with Buddhism and Christianity being prominent

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Tennessee

ComparisonHawaiiTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Hawaii Pacific University
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
University of Memphis
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsManoa Elementary School
Honolulu; Pūʻōhala Elementary School
Kaneohe; NuΚ»uanu Elementary School
Honolulu
Lakeland Elementary School
Lakeland; Edmondson Elementary School
Brentwood; Nolensville Elementary School
Nolensville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu
Meigs Magnet Middle School
Nashville; Brentwood Middle School
Brentwood; Bluff City Middle School
Bluff City
Top 3 High SchoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus
Honolulu
McCallie School
Chattanooga; Harpeth Hall School
Nashville; Baylor School
Chattanooga
Top 3 private high schoolsLa Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Honolulu; Κ»Iolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu
Baylor School
Chattanooga; Harpeth Hall School
Nashville; McCallie School
Chattanooga
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsΚ»Iolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus
Honolulu
Baylor School
Chattanooga; McCallie School
Chattanooga; University School of Nashville
Nashville
Top 3 School DistrictsMoanalua-King Intermediate & High
Mililani Area
Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua
Williamson County Schools
Franklin Special School District
Maryville City Schools

Top Hawaii to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Tennessee

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details