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®!
*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/
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally, Paradise does come at a cost :)
Hawaii is probably the perfect place for newly weds to live, since they can survive on LOVE :)
Very nice Sally.
Actually the cost of living isn't as bad as I would have thought, except probably for housing.
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-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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 :)