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.
Oceanfront home! Legal Nightly Rental! Lovingly named "Hale Moana" or "House of the Sea." This beautiful oceanfront home along Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa carries with ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Located in the highly desired gated community of Black Point, featuring the world famous Black Point Community salt water infinity pool. This one of a kind, 1920's class...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
NEW PRICING - A MUST SEE! A once in a lifetime opportunity to own in one of the most exclusive, well maintained buildings on the Gold Coast. This Coral Strand unit is a ...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Located in La Pietra, a coveted neighborhood nestled at the base of Diamond Head, this luxurious townhouse renovated by acclaimed designer/builder Brett Hill was complet...
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 ...
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.
Embrace Hawai'i's beauty living in this prestigious neighborhood of Na Pali Haweo, located on the summit of Kamehame Ridge. This corner lot home has been renovated and re...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Exquisite brand new custom built home in a quiet North Shore seaside community. Absolutely stunning ocean views and sunsets over the water! Just a short walk to the beaut...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Spectacular ocean view from this higher floor unit in Waikiki Shore, the only condo building directly on Waikiki Beach. The '16 stack offers the largest one-bedroom floor...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
As his period colleague, Ossipoff Mid-century modern architect, Harry W. Seckel sought to create a more climatically, culturally responsive home here when opening this Wo...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Fabulous views from this Unique 1 bedroom + Den. Developer enclosed the den creating a private room with small closet and built in desk. Relax after a day of world clas...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Opportunity awaits you to own a well-cared-for 5 bedroom 3 bath single level residence with separate entryway for multi-family living located in beautiful Luna Kai, Hawai...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Bright and Beautiful Kalama Valley home with custom finishes & sparkling pool. This home is just waiting for its new owners to enjoy all it has to offer. The home feature...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Magnificent OCEAN VIEWS across Wai'alae Golf Course, Kahala to Diamond Head. Watch the whales/enjoy pau Hana sunsets from the huge, covered front lanai. 3 Lanais total. T...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
No Maintenance Fees ! Corner Lot with newer Kaimuki Home that allows you to rent one portion and live in the other. Downstairs 2 bed, 1 bath with a full kitchen and Upsta...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Truly turnkey in custom contemporary design work throughout w/furnishings. Floor was floated to incorporate the lanai of an already luxuriously spacious living area. Favo...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Extremely desirable East (Mauka) Tower, high-floor unit with amazing ocean and Diamond Head views. Open-plan kitchen, living room, and bonus area which can be used as stu...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Rarely Available! 3 bedroom/ 2.5 bath charming home in Kaimuki/Kapahulu area. You can catch the beautiful view's of Diamond Head, the Waikiki skyline and the beautiful bl...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Views, Location and Luxury!!..everything you need! Spacious, immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 parking residence with sweeping ocean, harbor, city and Hawaiian sunset views...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Rarely Available, this breezy corner townhome located within the GATED Peninsula offers a great opportunity! Convenient Bedroom and full Bath on the main level with a pr...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
The most popular ‘39’ stack at the Ilikai apt, gorgeous Magic Island, and Sunset view. Lower maintenance fee. Luxury hotel like interior, excellent condition, open kitche...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Outdoor space without the upkeep! Located on the edge of Waikiki, shaded by trees with canal views, this 2 bedroom, and 1 bath walk-up condo offers indoor outdoor living,...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Breezy, spacious one-bedroom end unit has been beautifully renovated throughout the years. Gorgeous African mahogany wood cabinetry throughout kitchen, bath, and interior...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Live the lifestyle in this spacious studio located in the heart of Waikiki that includes a full kitchen, spacious bathroom suite and is fully furnished! This unit is just...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
Fully built out medical office with high-end finishes. 6 exam/offices with sinks 2 additional offices Interior restroom and shower Kitchenette, custom cabinetry, Bose...
Listing courtesy of Corcoran Pacific Properties.
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