Are you thinking about moving from the Aloha State of Hawaii to the Natural State of Arkansas? Many people make this move to cut their cost of living by 30–50% overnight—without sacrificing community, nature, or quality of life.

I’m Anthony Mosley, a real estate broker based in Benton County in Northwest Arkansas, and I help families relocating from across the country—including several from Hawaii—discover whether Arkansas is the right next chapter for their lives.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before relocating from Hawaii to Arkansas, including:

• Cost of living differences
• Housing + real estate options
• Jobs & income
• Schools
• Taxes
• Lifestyle, climate & culture
• And a bonus rapid-fire “speed round” at the end

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🏡 Why Do People Leave Hawaii for Arkansas?

Most people moving away from Hawaii consider California, Texas, or Florida first. Arkansas isn’t typically on the “top 10,” but those who skip the crowded, expensive states and come straight here often tell me it’s the best decision they made.

Many Hawaii residents ultimately choose Arkansas because of:

• Dramatically lower housing prices
• Slower pace of life
• Tight-knit community culture
• Outdoor access (lakes, rivers, mountains)
• Lower everyday expenses

And yes—I’ve personally helped multiple Hawaii families make the move successfully.

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💸 1. Cost of Living: Save 30–50% Overnight

Let’s talk numbers. The difference between Hawaii and Arkansas is not small.

Groceries

• Hawaii has some of the highest grocery prices in the nation.
• Arkansas is below the national average, especially for meat, produce, and essentials.

Utilities

• Hawaii has the most expensive electricity rates in the U.S.
• Arkansas ranks among the cheapest, even with winter heating costs.

Transportation

• Arkansas is consistently in the Top 10 for lowest gas prices.

Dining & Entertainment

• Restaurants, coffee shops, services, and recreation cost far less here.

You’ll sacrifice palm trees and ocean views, yes—but day-to-day living becomes dramatically more affordable.

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🏘️ 2. Housing & Real Estate: What You Can Buy in Arkansas

This is the biggest shocker for most Hawaii families.

One of my clients sold a 7-figure, 1,100 sq ft home in Hawaii—dilapidated, no AC—and bought a nearly brand-new home on a quarter acre for under $500,000 in Northwest Arkansas.

What You’ll Find in Arkansas:

Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville)

• New construction
• Master-planned communities
• Strong appreciation trends
• Modern amenities

About 35% of sales are new construction here.

Little Rock / Conway

• Traditional neighborhoods
• Older charm + newer suburban pockets
• More urban amenities

Lake & Mountain Regions (Hot Springs, Greers Ferry, Bull Shoals)

• Waterfront homes
• Large lots
• Slower pace of life
• Hawaii buyers love these areas for nature & privacy

Want land?
You could buy 95 acres in Benton County for around $500,000. That’s impossible in Hawaii.

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🌿 3. Lifestyle & Culture: Hawaii’s “Ohana” Meets Arkansas Hospitality

Most Hawaii residents I speak with say Arkansas feels:

• Slower
• Less crowded
• More spacious
• More community-driven

Arkansas has four distinct seasons—fall colors, spring storms, humid summers, and occasional winter snow.

And believe it or not, Hawaii’s sense of ohana (family + community) translates beautifully here. People are friendly, relational, and welcoming.

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🎓 4. Schools in Arkansas vs. Hawaii

As a real estate broker, I can’t speak to school quality, but I can share what buyers tell me and where to get reliable info.

Families moving from Hawaii often say Arkansas schools feel:

• Better funded
• More extracurricular options
• Smaller class sizes
• More accessible teachers
• More variety (public, charter, private, faith-based)

Top districts to research:

• Bentonville & Fayetteville (Northwest Arkansas)
• Cabot
• Bryant
• Greenwood
• Valley View

For rankings, check:

• US News & World Report
• Niche.com
• SchoolDigger.com

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💼 5. Jobs & Income Opportunities

“Can I make a living in Arkansas?”
Yes—and many industries are growing.

Major Employers

Arkansas has three Fortune 500 companies, all located in Northwest Arkansas:

• Walmart (largest employer in the world)
• Tyson Foods
• JB Hunt Transportation

Other Industries

• Healthcare (statewide shortage + strong hiring)
• Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Retail
• Corporate support roles
• IT & remote work

Many remote workers choose Arkansas because of:

• Low cost of living
• Natural beauty
• High quality of life
• Fast, affordable internet

Even if salaries are lower here, purchasing power is significantly higher.

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💰 6. Taxes: What to Expect

Property Taxes

Arkansas property taxes are much lower than Hawaii’s, though they vary by county and city.

Sales Tax

Sales tax can sometimes be higher depending on the county, but your overall cost of living still ends up far cheaper.

Retirement Benefits

Retirees often move here because their dollars stretch further in Arkansas.

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🤝 7. Community & Culture: Feeling at Home in Arkansas

Arkansans are known for:

• Warm hospitality
• Community events
• Local festivals
• Farmers markets
• Parades
• Holiday events
• Strong church + volunteer culture

Whether you prefer small towns or urban feel, there’s a place for you.

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⚡ BONUS: Hawaii-to-Arkansas “Speed Round”

Politics:
Arkansas typically votes conservative; Hawaii typically votes liberal.

Snow:
Northwest Arkansas averages ~9 inches each winter. Some years you barely need a coat; others you’ll want boots and gloves.

Nature:

• 2,400+ lakes and reservoirs
• 90,000+ miles of rivers
• 56% of the state is forested
• Mountain biking, hiking, lake life—no sharks!

Population Density:

• Hawaii: 223 people per sq mile
• Arkansas: under 60 people per sq mile

Much more room to breathe.

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📦 Thinking About Moving From Hawaii to Arkansas?

If you’re considering relocating—especially to Northwest Arkansas—I’d love to help you get started.

👉 Download my free Arkansas Relocation Guide

This could be the first step for you and your family in discovering whether Arkansas is your next best move.

📞 Let’s Connect

Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and timeline so we can make your move a smooth and successful one. Whether you’re headed to Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’m here to help.

Have questions or thinking about making a move to Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas?

Reach out anytime—or watch the full video on my YouTube Channel.

— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas