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.
Charming oceanfront Ranch style home! Stunning ocean and sunset views, just steps away to the sandy beach in your front yard. Relax and enjoy all the Pacific Ocean has t...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Custom Built North Shore Home in a gated community of 5 homes. One of a Kind 3 Acre Lot. Ocean Views! Could be a vacation country home, gentlemen's ranch, or Family re...
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.
Amazing opportunity to build a brand new home on a large Estate Size Oceanfront Lot. Enjoy both Koko Head and Diamond Head views. Sunrise to sunset. Coastline in both dir...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
"Age in place home" on a 11,461 SF level lot in the rarely available Portlock side of Hawaii Kai. Makaweli Street is the well known highly sought-after street framed wit...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Amazing opportunity to own in one of the most distinguished highly sought-after neighborhoods of Oahu. With unobstructed ocean views, this home sits perfectly aligned am...
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.
Enjoy oceanfront living at its finest in this quintessential Hawaii beach home! Located in the heart of Laie directly in front of Bathtub Beach, this home offers everythi...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Located in Aina Haina, this unique home has an incomparable blend of numerous upgrades, sizable living area, underground utilities, and a sought after location. High ceil...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Preserved and authentic single level home defining Hawaii's charm and masterfully combines comfort with Kahala style & grace. On a sprawling level lot, fenced and gated ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Inspired Living! Open your door to WOW views of Diamond Head, the Waikiki coastline, Magic Island Beach Park and Friday Night Fireworks views. Welcome to Koula, Ward Vill...
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.
A true Sierra Drive Gem! Enjoy expansive ocean and Diamond Head views from this fabulous 1920's cottage on Wilhelmina Rise! Hawaiian classic meets contemporary style in t...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Ground level, open floor plan in Kalama Valley. This high ceiling, immaculate three-bedroom, two-bath, peaceful and private home sits on a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborh...
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.
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.
BACK ON MARKET!!18th floor unit overlooking Hilton Lagoon, Ocean, Diamond Head, city & mountain views. One of the most popular and ocean front Ilikai Apt Bldg within imme...
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.
One of only 70 boutique condominium homes serviced by two elevators for only three units per floor assures luxurious privacy. Architectural design integrity with solid co...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Cove Waikiki- Location, location, location... Relax and enjoy the open views that face over the lush green palms. Built in 2015 and close by to the beautiful Ala Moana ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Rarely available FEE SIMPLE 2/2 condo at Wailana at Waikiki! You'll love coming home to this completely remodeled retreat with wonderful wide open city and Diamond Head v...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Location, Location, Location! Enjoy the convenience of a short distance to Kahala Mall, Kahala Market, Whole Foods, movie theaters, restaurants, and more! 2 story townhom...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Grace yourself with wonderous views of the awe-inspiring ocean and city from this rarely available 2 bed 2 bath end unit with a full-size parking stall. Unparalleled acce...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Waikiki Living- Enjoy this spacious 2 bedroom larger unit with custom upgrades and lots of storage space. Located on the cool side of the building overlooking the Ala Wai...
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.