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The Cost of Living Factor in Considering A Hawaii Relocation

If you are considering relocating to Oahu, Hawaii or you are Relocating to Hawaii with the Military then you need to consider quite a few things. With the military your BAH covers housing expenses and your commissary priveleges allow you to buy food with only a smaller percentage higher than the mainland.

What about civilians who are relocating to our Hawaiian islands? Consider this: The main reason that everything costs a little more here than on the mainland is that just about everything is transported to Hawaii....from food to lumber for building to just about everything needed to sustain the majority of necessities as well as luxury items. Shipping costs, fuel and oil costs all have risen drastically therefore pushing up our prices even further.

90% if our food is imported so automatically presume that our cost of food is at least 30-50% higher than the mainland. We drink a lot of milk and it's not too bad at 2 gallons for $7.50. My favorite places to shop for food are Costco and Sam's Club.
Rental Housing Market: Central Oahu: 2 bd/ 1 ba / 2 parking can run anywhere from $1200 to $2000 per month. A condo in Downtown Honolulu can run from $1500 to $3000 for a two bedroom. A significant increase in the last four years due to the increase in real property for sale.
Real Estate Market: Again, depending on the neighborhood the single family median sales price for a 3 bdrm/2 ba home is around $625,000. A 2/2/2 townhouse are still selling for $300,000 to $325,000. Condos 2/1/2 run between $225,000 to $255,000.
Utilities: My electric bill is about $125.00 to $140.00 per month for my small one bedroom. Of course I have the A/C on energy saver for the dog during the day when my house is locked up. Otherwise, others in my neighborhood (who don't use their A/C) probably utilize about $50 to $75.00 worth of electricity. I have a gas water heater so that runs about $30.00 per month.
Gasoline: Currently at $3.35 per gallon at Costco.

Ahhhh. But where else can you live in a paradise with tropical island weather year round and our breathtaking scenery of the ocean, the mountains, the valleys, the flora and fauna. These are the reasons for my remaining in this land I call home....and the reasons that many flock here for their relocation.

Weigh out all your options in your Hawaii Relocation because no matter what, Hawaii is like no other place in the world. We thrive and strive from our strength of diversity and our wide range of international and ethnic cultures and food.

* Keep in mind that the outer islands such as Maui, Kauai, Hawaii (the Big Island), Lanai and Molokai are even higher in costs because again....the shipping and transporting costs.

It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people but you can do it with effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

The Art of Hawaii Relocations

*Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii*

Call me for a Relocation Packet and more info!

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor Associate ®

Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI * (808) 375-1404

http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/

http://woohoosally.blogspot.com/

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate on 12/14/2007 07:15 PM

Comments (53)

honolulu hawaii relocation, military move transfer, hawaii relocation, hawaii homes for sale

Originally posted at: Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations : The Cost of Living Factor in Considering A Hawaii Relocation

This post has been included in Hawaii Information Honolulu County, HI Information

53 Comments on The Cost of Living Factor in Considering A Hawaii Relocation

DEC

2007

Hi Sally - Your milk costs less than it does here in Fort Worth. We pay $3.99 a gallon for it. But what a trade off you have! Hawaii is so beautiful and the ocean looks wonderful. Mountains and ocean..does it get any better?

Sally, Paradise does come at a cost :)

Hawaii is probably the perfect place for newly weds to live, since they can survive on LOVE :)

Linda: That price is if you have a Costco or Makai Card for Foodland :) Otherwise it's $4.99 or something like that. In any case, you are darn right. I love the views, the peace and the different cultures. Makes for an interesting place by far.

George: How do you think I survived all these years lol! Actually, it's the love for the islands that MADE me survive :) And so alas...we live in a very small townhouse where our living area is converted into two office spaces :)

Very nice Sally.

Actually the cost of living isn't as bad as I would have thought, except probably for housing.

Wow, it is expensive, but you're right what a place to live. I pay 3.00 average for milk. We go through about 5 gallons a week, more when everyone is home.

Sally,

Nice post...Even though your cost of living may be somewhat higher it's not that far out of line...you have little heating costs, no winter clothing...milk is no higher than here...not bad!!! The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks!!! Thanks, Fran

Sally, nice post, good work. I really like the Santa Hat. Nice content for your consumer. I admire your work!

I think I'd be looking to pitch a tent on the beach! But it sue is purdy!!

Sally-this is good info for people not only moving there, but for people coming on vacation :) :) Costco has the same basic prices as here....and don't forget all those little farmers markets for fresh food......I agree with everyone here what a great tradeoff....and the diversity, entertainment, and natural beauty far outweighs the higher costs :)

Hi Sally,

This is need to know information for anyone considering relocating to Hawaii. The benefits of living in paradise are worth it! :)

BTW, We have BJs over here (like Costco) I love shopping in bulk to save money! ;)

Sally, Oh, to relocate there, what a dream! I actually don't think the condo prices are bad at all or the electricity. And didn't pay much less for gas last time I got that, either! This time of year especially makes me think about paradise.....Beautiful post!

Sally,

You're really providing great info for relocation buyers in HI. Not only as a real estate professional, but that of a local. That's valuable first-hand info for future home buyers. Now a question, this may sound strange, but do you have a heater at all? Just curious.

Sally - What excellent information for anyone considering a move to Hawaii. You've provided the most basic info that people need to know. Great work.

Sally- In comparison to some high cost places on the mainland like NYC and Alaska and some resort areas, the costs are not that much higher. And of course, who would not love to downsize for the lifestyle and the great health that comes along with it. The life span in Hawaii is the longest of all the U.S. Katerina

DEC

2007

Hello! Great useful information that still makes me want to move there, eventually. Hawaii is such a Paradise and utilities and cost of food sound about the same as here but the weather is more to my liking. Warm is my choice. When I want cold I can visit the states in the winter but I doubt I would want to leave once there.

Nice to say hello again. Hope you received my Electronic Christmas card with the photos of the house.

Whether or not I even thought about a move to Hawaii, your photos would sure get my attention!

Sally, That is great information for anyone who wants to relocate to Hawaii. I guess there is a price to live in Paradise! I think prices are going up on everything, everywhere. Merry Christmas!

Sally... again, some great pictures. And thanks for putting a perspective on the cost of living in and around Hawaii. I always knew it was more expensive, but never knew how much. Nice job.

Sally-The prices are what I remember from my trip in 1982. But I guess everything is relevant. My electric bill is $300 a month most months.But there is a trade off for the paradise setting. Aloha

Nice photos...did you take those shots from the top of a cliff?

Sally, Great Advice. I have a friend that was transfered to Puerto Rico. I asked him if he figured in the cost of all the change's because everything gets imported (Except the Rum)..:-)

Thanks for this. I am trying to do some homework on it (thinking of buying a 2nd home there). This helped! Paradise should cost a little more!!!

Sally, wonderful post. I imagine that the military can get quite a savings by shopping on base. Do you have any information about salary comparison between similar jobs in Hawaii and on the mainland?

Sally - No big surprise that the cost of living is pretty high in Hawaii. You do a great job of capturing the flavor of your wonderful state.

Sally, Thanks for all the wonderful info you post for people wanting to know more about your area.

Sally--You have no doubt answered the question on many people's minds with this post on Hawaii's cost of living. Good work!

Sally, that was interesting information. I guess the military housing allowance for the active duty does not go as far as I thought. Good info for anyone moving to paradise!

Lenn: Of course some area are about the same, a little less, maybe even more. What is significant to me is that.....all market and neighborhoods differ....even in gasoline here!

Missy: We go through about 3 ....with just us two :)

Fran: Cool...and what about the market? Overall, your area is lower in prices aren't they?

Jeanean: Thanks there! I finally got in the holiday "mood"...we also had our company party last night. :)

Joan: Oooo..nope ..you wouldn't want to do that, We have enough homeless on the beach :)

Kathy: I mean...that's why you keep coming back right? It's worth it...even for a bit :)

Suzanne: In the long run we do save bunches of money shopping in bulk! We utilized our laundry closet with a six layer shelving unit to accommodate all our "stuff".

Carole: I think we may compare to your area somewhat as well.

Lynda: Thanks ....and nope..no heater

Marlene: Thanks Marlene! I'm getting excited to meet you, Lynda and the rest next month!

Katerina: I know they're the same as many areas...and I like to see the different prices around the nation as well. If it's one thing I've compared while on AR...is that no matter how low the prices are for homes/land around some parts.....I'd rather pay higher....to live here. :)

William: Hey William! I sent you an email back to thank you yesterday am! I loved you pictures of all the lights and your little slide show thingy! And...I would definitely look forward to the day you would come here....oh, yes.

Patricia: That's what draws people here to begin with...the photos...and then they come to life!

Roberta: The prices adjust I'm sure ...all over..Happy Holidays to you too!

Jeff: Pictures from Laie Oahu Hawaii...and some areas around the nation would compare...

Mark: Ah...the tradeoff. I look at it this way...even for natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and such) we don't get too many like gulf and areas like tornado alley ....this is another plus for me :)

Neal: It's called Laie Point...yes, a smaller cliff....and I climbed to the side to take both shots on either side of it looking back to oceanfront on both sides.

Matt: Ha! That is another higher cost of living area isn't it? I heard the real estate is a prime market as well....Look...now I have to go research.....so I know lol!

Joeann: Oh, that would definitely be a plus for you for your second home...and having a beautiful place to reside some of the year!

Brian: There are some items that cost less...but when it comes to meat...I love to get it at Costco...bigger...nicer cuts (my mom and daughter have military id's so once in awhile I go with them)

Bill: Oh thanks Bill. I've been told I should work for the tourist industry promoting Hawaii lol!

Sally,

Yes, our home prices may be lower but you need more home in PA than Hawaii...there, more time is spent out of doors, right? Thanks, Fran

P.S. In my area, a 3000 sq. ft. 2 story colonial will sell for as low as $350,000...and will have real estate taxes of around $12,000 per year!

Dan: Oh, you're welcome Dan....and hopefully it helps others here to have info just in case they happen to get a client relocating :)

Teri: WooHoo! Bout time I did this huh?

Gary: Ah....the monthly housing allowance (look at Randy's post) went a little up for some grades and decreased for some this year. It pretty much covers a condo/townhouse for most if buying (including maintenance fee, and utilities) if they stay within their means.

Fran: Yeah, my hubbie is from PA...his gramma lived in McKeesport and the school taxes are rolled into the property taxes right? A 3,000 sq/ft roofed living area is not the norm here. Cut that in half and you'll have the average 3/2 two story at 600-700k. And I spend my time half/half.

Woo Hoo ! Just a note to say, I didn't get the e-mail from you. Checked everything and not there. They can get lost in the outer reaches of cyber world. No worries though as long as you got the card though, I am OK.

PS, Want to see the pictures of me up in the crane hanging the lights. I had no idea they would allow me to hang them myself. A quick tutorial and I was up in the air having a great time. :-) The operator said I was a natural, so I guess maybe they would offer me a job as a crane operator,lol.

Sally, this is great information for someone moving to HI. That is the kind of stuff that the average person needs to know...groceries, gas, utilities - we all need them wherever we live. Of course, some increase in cost is offset by getting to live in your own paradise :) Good job!

Saly, with the relatively high cost of living, you can look at the ocean and know that it's worth it. It's very hard to price in the cost of natural beauty and happiness one can have in enjoying it.

I visited Kona a few years ago and the peace I found being in such a beautiful place was unreal! But with three kiddos, I'll have to stick with Texas and our dirty beaches!

William: Oh, geez... in any case I did receive the email, the pics...and sure would like to see you on the crane LOL!

Lisa: WooHoo! Of course there are big perks to relocating to Hawaii...the biggest ...being paradise :)

Faina: That is surely a fact!

Jennifer: Beautiful beaches, valleys and mountains to behold...that is for sure!

DEC

2007

Sally, I see we were both in a military move frame of mind over the weekend. What a different experience it would be to go from the D.C. are to Hawaii or vice versa - yet both would be highly desirable in their own way.

I'd still love to move to Hawaii.....it is a paradise.

Happy Holidays!

Sally thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures someday I hope to visit the island. I heard it is paradise.

Margaret: I would say at least 75% of my clients are military and relocate from all over the world to Hawaii.

Monika: I'd just like you to visit so I could meet you all!

Katie: It is an experience....even if just visiting :)

Sally - you have the most beautiful islands there, but the prices are indeed obscene - I DO want to visit there one-day through, to see that gorgeous paradise first hand!

B/B: Thanks and though our prices are high...well, understandable with shipping costs...but still beautiful!

DEC

2007

That's a great post Sally. I'm actually surprised at the numbers. I thought they would be bigger (more expensive) than what you posted! :)

Shannon: Because you live in Florida...same thing in high market areas don't ya think? Even in parts of New York and coastal areas in CA. Get near ocean and nice weather and we got higher prices. I keep looking at lucky lang's listings....my goodness....I could get a house with land for the price I paid for my one bedroom townhouse!

DEC

2007

Yeah but Golf is so affordable here on the Aina that you will make up the difference of the food costs with golf savings!!! ( ;

Jay: You think? :)

JAN

2008

This is a very good point you bring up about quality of life, standards of living in comparison to those land lovers on the mainland. Although, personally, I believe the trade off is worthy of note, and vote for moving my stuff to Hawaii by boat.

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