Having personally moved from California to Hawaii in 2005, and also having helped many others make the move across the ocean, I know what it takes. It's not easy, but if you know what to expect, your move to paradise can be a lot less stressful than you think it might be. This is a 7 step guide, so read along and don't be afraid to contact me if you have questions, especially if you plan to buy a house anywhere on Oahu.
Let's talk about your move to Hawaii
Step 1 in moving to Hawaii - figure out if you can afford it. Of course you will want to see how much Honolulu homes are, so use my property search to see if you are even in the ballpark. Hawaii is one of the most expensive places on Earth to live! Remember though, property taxes in Oahu are quite low, so while the prices seem high, your monthly payments could be a lot lower than you would think, especially if you've come from Texas, New York, or California. You will probably pay around $700k-$1.5 mil for a house, but your property taxes will be about $150-$200 per month. Our property tax rates are 5 times less than CA!
Hawaii is particularly expensive if you live in East Oahu, where real estate prices are even higher than the rest of Oahu. I'm talking about Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, Kahala, Aina Haina, Kailua, and Kaneohe. These are very nice areas, where the average sale price is over $1million as of 2020. While you can still expect to pay $7~$9 for a gallon of milk at Foodland or Safeway, we have 4 Costcos on Oahu, so prices are close to normal for many things. Surprisingly, gas prices are about the same as California a lot of the time.
Of the thousands of people who move to Hawaii every year, one thing that is on the mind of every one of them is probably the difference in the cost of living. But we don't usually use our AC, we never have a heating bill, and we wear a lot less clothing. I own 1 jacket, I wear it a few days a year. You will save money just by not trying to compete with everyone on how they dress and the car they drive. If anything, a lot of people will look down on you if you are too showy here. Some of the richest people in Hawaii wear T-shirts and board shorts every day and drive a pickup truck (like me.)
But what about other expenses? Just assume everything will cost 10-20% more, except for used cars. For some reason we have too many cars here and used car prices are sometimes lower than many areas of the US mainland, especially if someone is moving off island and they need to sell their car quickly.
Bottom line is - if you want to live here, you might have to change your lifestyle a little bit, but it's worth every penny. I'm about to go surfing with my kids, at a beautiful empty beach, and the water is 75 degrees.
Introducing a one-of-a-kind North Shore retreat, nestled in a gated community of just five owners. This stunning 2013 custom-built home sits on a sprawling 3-acre lot wit...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Conveniently located in the heart of urban Honolulu, this multi-unit property offers 7-one bedroom units, 2-studio units and 13-studio units with shared common facilities...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
North shore living at its finest! This exquisite recently remodeled ranch-style home is located in the Pupukea neighborhood of Haleiwa town, on the North Shore of Oahu. ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Welcome to your dream home location! This prime lot in East Oahu boasts over 28,000 square feet of oceanfront vacant land, with 116 linear feet of ocean frontage. The lev...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Stunning mountain and Koko Head views from this three bedroom, three bath top floor Penthouse at the Symphony Honolulu. Dramatic 10 ft. floor-to-ceiling windows capture t...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Permitted Plans ! Ready to build a beautiful Custom Home in Portlock. Rare opportunity to start construction immediately and select all your custom finishes. This propert...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Stunning new home in progress to be built in the beautiful seaside community of Malaekahana Bay! Private deeded access to the ocean and just steps away to Malaekahana Bay...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Contemporary, upscale, sophisticated, artistic and functional...on the preferred ocean side of the building! Floor-to-ceiling windows across the living room & separated ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Three bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome on 2 levels, with nice yard area. You can easily park 4-cars in the carport and driveway. Community amenities offer a clubhouse, swimming...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Highly desirable Diamond Head-facing corner unit in Tower 2 of the 5-star Ritz Carlton in Waikiki. This world-class property is located in the heart of Waikiki on luxury ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
2 Bedrooms plus a BOUNS DEN with a closet (Den could accommodate a queen size bed) UNIQUE FLEX-STYLE condo offers the flexibility of functioning like ONE big unit, or TW...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Welcome to the luxurious Allure Waikiki — and the highly desirable corner unit known as the Ohi'a. The floor plan features two-bedroom suites with floor-to-ceiling window...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Highly desirable west corner unit in Tower 2 of the 5-star Ritz Carlton in Waikiki. This world-class property is located in the heart of Waikiki on luxury row and offers ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
18th floor unit overlooking Hilton Lagoon, Ocean, Diamond Head, city & mountain views. One of the most popular and ocean front Ilikai Apt Bldg within immediate proximity ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Amazing opportunity to own in Hawaii Kai's highly coveted Mount Terrace building. A spacious floor plan with sweeping mauka-to-makai views from the newly installed floor-...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Great opportunity to enjoy luxury living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Tower 2! This middle floor ocean view studio comes fully furnished with top of the l...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
"DESIGNER SHOWCASE" You'll love the gorgeous ocean, Ala Wai Canal and Waikiki skyline views from this elegantly remodeled condominium! Designed and renovated by a noted l...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Enjoy the privacy of a corner unit with an expansive 614-sq-ft lanai. This unit offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each bedroom having its own en suite. Experience in...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Luana Waikiki, a boutique hotel condo located in the heart of Waikiki, is one of just a few luxury condos that offer legal nightly rentals. This spacious one-bedroom unit...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Beautifully renovated unit in the most desirable condo community in Waikiki! Short walk to Waikiki Beach, Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head, and Honolulu Zoo. Elegantly furnis...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Privileged privacy in boutique condominium with three units per floor serviced by two elevators and shared with only 70 total residents. Architectural integrity with soli...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Located in the Punahou neighborhood that is minutes away from freeway access, restaurants, shopping, schools, and more. Renovated in 2018 with new flooring, throughout & ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Outstanding ocean views from this 26th floor Diamond Head Tower unit! Looking directly out to Magic Island with Ala Moana boat harbor in the foreground, enjoy the panoram...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
PRICE ADJUSTMENT OF 48K. Welcome to 2121 Ala Wai, a beloved condo building in the heart of Waikiki. You’ll be conveniently close to all the best restaurants & shops. Rel...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Move right into this gorgeous, remodeled Waikiki Skyliner condo in the heart of Waikiki! You'll love the spacious feel of the open kitchen/living area with lots of cabine...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Listings last updated on . Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2023 by HiCentral MLS, Ltd. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.