What to Know Before Moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas

Thinking about moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas? You’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that over 50,000 Hawaiian’s live in Las Vegas. They don’t call Las Vegas the 9th Island for nothing! But moving to Las Vegas from Hawaii can be a big move and there are things you should consider before making it. Here’s what you should know before moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas.

moving from hawaii to las vegas

Why Do Hawaiians Move to Las Vegas?

Las Vegas attracts many Hawaiians to move there because it has a lower cost of living, no state income tax, more affordable housing, good weather and many job opportunities – including those in tourism. Hawaii can be an expensive place to live, housing prices are exorbitant, and the job market is less robust.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas

Another thing you should know when considering this move are the pros and cons. As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to moving from Hawaii to live in Las Vegas. For a compete overview of what to expect when in Las Vegas, check out the pros and cons of living in Las Vegas. For now, here’s a short list of the pros and cons of leaving Hawaii and moving to Vegas.

5 Benefits of Moving to Las Vegas from Hawaii

More Affordable Housing

At the time of writing, the average house in Hawaii costs $610,000, nearly double the price of a home in Las Vegas which costs on average $300,000 - $350,000. Rent is often more affordable in Las Vegas compared to Hawaii as well, sometimes differing by over $1,000 per month for comparable entry-level rentals.

Job Opportunities in a Variety of Industries

Las Vegas has a bigger and more diverse economy and job market than Hawaii. Besides all of the jobs in tourism and hospitality, Las Vegas has companies like Amazon, Google and Zappos creating new jobs and an emerging tech industry. There are plenty of jobs in Las Vegas!

Lower Cost of Living and Mainland Conveniences

It’s been said that the cost of living in Las Vegas can be nearly 50% lower than in the Hawaiian city of Honolulu, thanks to lower costs for housing, food and utilities. Those who live in Hawaii also know how expensive conveniences like gas and milk can be and will appreciate the lower costs found in Vegas.

moving to las vegas from hawaii

Legalized Gambling & World-Class Entertainment

One of the major attractions to Las Vegas is gambling, which is not legal in Hawaii. There are many stories about how legendary Sam Boyd and The California Hotel created a haven for gamblers and vacationers from Hawaii. Besides gambling, Las Vegas boasts world-class entertainment with shows and professional sports, which is a major draw.

No State Income Tax

You’ll be happy to find out that there’s no state income tax in Nevada. Not only that, but with no tax on retirement income and low property taxes, Nevada is known as a tax-friendly state. For more information on the tax benefits of moving to Las Vegas from Hawaii, learn more about the tax advantages of living in Nevada.

Drawbacks of Moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas

There’s no doubt that Hawaii is a great place to live and visit, just like Las Vegas. While there are many advantages to picking up and moving to Vegas, there are a few disadvantages to leaving the Islands. Here are a few to consider:

  • You won’t live as close to the ocean and surfing
  • You may be leaving family and friends
  • Las Vegas has hotter summers and colder winters

moving from hawaii to las vegas

Where Do Most Hawaiians Live in Las Vegas?

While there’s no particular area in the city of Las Vegas where Hawaiians move most frequently, there are several popular communities and neighborhoods in the city for those relocating from out-of-state. Here’s a look at a few places you may consider living after you move to Las Vegas from Hawaii.

7 Popular Places to Live in Las Vegas

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Las Vegas from Hawaii

How many Hawaiians live in Las Vegas?

It’s estimated that over 50,000 Hawaiians live in Las Vegas. What’s more, Clark County where Las Vegas is located, has the 5th largest population of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

What do Hawaiians call Las Vegas?

Hawaiians often refer to Las Vegas as “The 9th Island”. The reason why Las Vegas is called the 9th island is because of the large population of Hawaiians (50,000+) living in Las Vegas and the thousands who vacation here each year.

Why are there so many Hawaiians in Las Vegas?

One speculation as to why Las Vegas became so popular with Hawaiians are the travel packages and charter flights created by Sam Boyd during the hey-day of The California Hotel, which brought in tens of thousands of Hawaiians each year. Another is the estimation that 1-in-10 Hawaiians visit Las Vegas each year. It’s also been stated that high school reunions bring many Hawaiians to Las Vegas – an estimated 40 reunions are held here each year.

What’s the cost of moving from Hawaii to Las Vegas?

It’s estimated to cost between $7,500 to $15,000 to move from Hawaii to Las Vegas. This all depends on the service you use, how much stuff you have and how quickly you need to move.

Are there direct flights from Hawaii to Las Vegas?

Yes, there are direct flights from Hawaii to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport.

Ready to Make the Move?

Thinking about leaving Hawaii and moving to Las Vegas? No matter if you’re ready to live here full time or just buy a second home, we’re ready to help. Fill out the form below to get in touch with a local real estate agent in Las Vegas who will help you find a home.

Contact a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent


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