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.
RARELY AVAILABLE….Single Level Home in Niuiki Circle with Deeded Ocean Access. This beautifully appointed Island Style home features a gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-l...
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.
"PRICELESS PACIFIC PANORAMA " Introducing an incredible opportunity, as it's the first time this impressive, large 8,247-square-foot, downsloping extraordinary view Hawa...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
SWEAT EQUITY OPPORTUNITY! Location, Location - minutes to the heart of downtown Honolulu & Waikiki, government offices, university, and shopping. First Floor: foyer, liv...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Exquisite Corner Penthouse with sweeping sunrise, ocean, harbor and mountain views in the Heart of Honolulu directly across from the AlaMoana S/C, offers the epitome of l...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Welcome to the Watermark Waikiki, a resort-like luxury condo perfectly situated between Waikiki and Ala Moana. Rewind as soon as you step into the elegant open-space lob...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Rarely Available- -AND NOW WITH A GREAT NEW PRICE!!! Up close and personal....at this BOUTIQUE project, there is nothing between you and the OCEAN COASTLINE except a be...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Charming country home! Recently renovated 2bedroom/1bath with versatile loft space that can act as 3rd bedroom, office, yoga or art studio. Close to schools, shopping, pa...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Welcome to the luxurious and highly sought-after premier condominium, The Windsor. This stunning 2 bedroom 2 bath residence has it all! Capture spectacular panoramic view...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Newly painted and refreshed, this SINGLE-FAMILY home in Punchbowl is now vacant and easy to seet! It's your opportunity to own this rare move-in ready home and live in to...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Welcome to the North Shore's highly sought-after private, lush, gated community of Mokuleia Beach Colony. Over 6 six acres of beautifully maintained Hawaiian tropical oas...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Bright and newly renovated 2 bedroom/1 bath corner apartment in a wonderful place to call home … Diamond Head Vista! Enjoy the beauty of Diamond Head daily and the short ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Come home and relax from the hustle and bustle; although close to the Downtown district, Capitol, Queen's Hospital and University, you will find this quaint home tucked i...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Location, location! You'll love the close proximity to famous Waikiki Beach, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, Ala Wai Golf Course, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. T...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
The Unit 1703(1-2-6-014-032-0315) and unit 1704 (1-2-6-014-032-0316) have been combined to create one bedroom and one living room. VACATION RENTAL ALLOWED for maximizing ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Spacious one bedroom, one bath condo with 2 PARKING in garage. This updated unit in the popular "D" stack of Aloha Towers has 2 lanais...one open, the other enclosed w...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Conveniently located in the center of Waikiki! A fully furnished one-bedroom, one-bath unit in the Pacific Monarch. Currently in the Hotel Rental Program. Relax at the ro...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Conveniently situated in the middle of it all. Your secured 4th floor home at Sixteen Regents has the space to create. With 3 bedrooms, you have various living options ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Beautifully renovated ground floor corner unit! Wrap around deck with wonderful ocean, coastline and park views. Brand new kitchen, appliances, and bathroom. Currently c...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
NEW PRICE and NEW PRIMARY BATHROOM SHOWER! Mountain, canal, and ocean views from your lanai! A two-bed and two-full-bath condominium, located on the cooler side of the bu...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Price DROP!!!! Unit is now in the Outrigger Hotel Pool as of January 2024. Welcome to the Regency on Beachwalk, a contemporary boutique hotel that is centrally located i...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Nestled in the heart of Kaimuki, the highly sought-after Kaimuki Jade offers an urban sanctuary that perfectly blends comfort & convenience. This rarely available high-fl...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Honolulu, your secured pet friendly (verify) home has the size and feel of a single family home. Relax on one of two screen enclosed lan...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Rarely available 2 bdrm/2 bath apt. in four-unit low rise building in Makiki. Convenient location across from Times Market and close to Safeway, restaurants, schools, and...
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: 2024 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.