Cost of living in Hawaii | How do people make it?

Depending on where you're from, the cost of living in Hawaii might shock you. Hawaii is a trophy destination, a never-in-a-lifetime or once-in-a-lifetime experience for too many. Some calculations suggest that the average Hawaii trip cost per person is roughly $1,899 a week for fun in the sun. Idyllic white sand beaches, mountainous backdrops, and the crystal blue Pacific Ocean are things of post cards and hard for some to imagine as every day lifestyles. Trust me when I say I wouldn't trade it for the world, but that doesn't mean there aren't concessions to be made.
So if you have ever wondered if moving to Hawaii is right for you and your budget, allow me to break it down from the perspective of a Missouri-born Hawaii transplant. I've run the spectrum of being born and raised in the 3rd cheapest state in the nation to starting a life, family, career, and real estate estate investment portfolio in one of the most expensive. I'll cover the dollars and cents on the topic but to close it out, I think it's responsible to shine light on the intangibles; the true costs of living in Hawaii and how it sees some local families brought together, or pulled apart like my family.
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[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

Living in Hawaii is expensive, there is no doubt about that. However, what I hear people saying and what I SEE on a daily basis are, oftentimes, two different things. I hear locals in Hawaii constantly saying how expensive it is. And, it is. But I also see people I know having weekly barbecues and buying expensive steaks, poke, green bottle beers, etc. I see people buying $9 packs of cigarettes, eating a $14 plate lunch nearly everyday, going Vegas multiple times per year, buying $50,000 Tacomas, renting expensive pay-per-view UFC fights, and buying "toys" like drones, video games, etc. I know people who own 10 fishing poles, 5 surfboards, a jet ski, one kayak, one stand-up paddle board, and a one-man canoe. They drive huge, gas guzzling SUV and 4x4 trucks, even if they never go off-roading, and even with gas prices well over $5 per gallon. I know many who enroll multiple kids in expensive club sports teams that go on three mainland trips per kid per year. Both parents often go on all of these trips. When I think of my grandparents who grew up in Hawaii in the 1920's, they really lived below their means. They never bought new clothes; they never bought things on credit; they rarely took trips to the mainland, even if they could afford to. They only ate out on special occasions, and never tried to "keep up" with their peers in terms of having material things. They went to work and took home lunch every single day. They came home and cooked or cleaned the yard. They watched the 10 o'clock news, then they went to bed. The next day, they got up and did it all over again. Hard-working people who lived extremely simple lives.

[@jennyboyette]

Sorry to say most of the folks doing the bbq/green bottle party either work for a union, work for the State, or are on EBT. The rest of us private sector 9-5ers keep our heads down and just keep treading water.

[@ethanshelbyskateboarding9980]

It's still illegal for Hawaii to be only for rich people

[@ryanb5768]

Spent almost 17 years on Oahu and owned a couple small businesses. When business was good it was fine and a great place to live. After 2008 I sold my business and got a 9 to 5 job. Reality set in. On top of making less money, I moved out to the middle of the island. Trust me , sitting in traffic a couple hours a day to go twenty miles will really put a damper on your ideals of what paradise is. I stuck it out a few years then they had the brilliant rail idea, which caused even more congestion and raised taxes. I own a house in PA now , my mortgage is a quarter of what is was in Hawaii. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it though.

[@brandonanderson2066]

Something really went south after 2008. As well as after 2020.

[@deedeew4040]

I have always wanted to vacation in Hawaii. This year I plan to visit Hawaii. No plans to move there. I just want to relax and take in the scenery.

[@davidbarker6899]

I grew up on Oahu, family still lives in Hawaii. Had chances to live there with six figure salaries. I chose to live like a king on the mainland and visit every few years. It makes vaca special and everyday life so much better because i dont have to worry about money

[@Robert-hr6sh]

I too had six figures....but my X walked away with five of those.

[@jimbob276]

@@Robert-hr6sh yikes

[@jimbob276]

I would never move to mainland if I was making six figures. Home is paid off and cars too. So Im set

[@darkpassenger65]

We sold our 1200 square foot, 30 year old, 3/1.5 Aiea home for $1Mil and moved to Washington. Paid off my sons college tuition and bought brand new 2200 square foot, 4/2.5 home for $500k with a view that would cost $5 million + in Hawaii. We love it here! Hawaii can never go back to what it once was. The writing is on the wall people.

[@TheNinjapancake14]

That’s insane! I feel like rich people are pricing people out of their homes. You are very lucky you were able to sell that high tho

[@markettradinggenius]

I am from Oahu and have been living here in Virginia now for nearly 2 years !! I love Virginia and be it good or bad, I have ZERO regrets about moving from my native Oahu island in order to live a much better life and lifestyle here on the East Coast. We have plenty of Hawaiians here, along with Samoans, Micronesians, Filipinos, Tungans and even a few japanese. The diversity here is actually greater here in Virginia than it is in Hawaii !!

[@lisawees]

Wow! What part of Virginia?

[@ActUnXpctd]

i am from virginia beach planing to move to the north shore oahu

[@markettradinggenius]

@@lisawees Northern Virginia. Sorry for late reply..

[@markettradinggenius]

@@ActUnXpctd Travis, north shore is beautiful. I know one married couple, who lived in Stafford(Va) who moved to the north shore about 1 year ago. They are a retired military couple and have a guaranteed monthly income for life. So, they decided that they wanted to be in a warm year round environment where there were lots of beaches and they could ride their motorcycles year round; even in the rain...lol...

[@alexandercrawley2777]

what part of va

[@OceanaK1]

I wish she had talked about cheaper areas on neighboring islands. Pahoa and Hilo are much lower in real estate costs than Honolulu.

[@theUAPwhisperer]

What about out in the jungle?

[@polynesianwahine]

Because they don’t want these places bought out by tourist and stay in native hands. It’s hard enough all ready.

[@The808mama]

Prices have more than doubled for everything in Pahoa since biden took office. So awesome!

[@robshell5367]

@@The808mama Yep it is Brandon's fault, funny stuff. I wish it was, it would be possible to fix things. If you think the red cult cares about you more than the blue cult you are living in a bubble.

[@leilanil.leedenali1267]

Ha! Try looking in Maui or Niihau. Hilo is Hilo Hawaii and it's not cheap. This was years ago before the 90s came out and it cost 400.00 to nothing. It's possible but this year.... don't buy it

[@ducheau100]

best way to make it is to inherit a house from a grandparent that passed away. You are set!

[@dotjai330]

you wish!

[@mikerichardson60]

Oh yeah that's a great plan.. smh

[@Esoteric-maiden]

Right….🙄

[@phcnh]

@@Esoteric-maiden He’s not wrong. My family owns a few houses in Hawaii.

[@Esoteric-maiden]

@@phcnh I’m not totally dismissing it :) some of us unfortunately don’t have any grandparents though

[@omardeveraux1418]

Loved your video and could really appreciate the information shared/given. Good things to think about as I look at a possible transition to island life. Mahalo!

[@PennyT2024]

Excellent video! Informative, well-paced, and enjoyable to watch.

[@oibal60]

Have been to all the major Hawaiian islands. Coming from NY, the prices were comparable. The isolationism was off-putting though. Also it was like being on a large cruise ship, we kept on running into the same people!

[@markettradinggenius]

the isolation is what kills most people because if ANYTHING, in dramatic physical fashion would happen to those islands, such as a massive underwater earthquake that would bring down and crumple the top of those mountains, bye-bye population cause there won't be NO help coming from anywhere anytime soon...

[@ThuyPham-lr5dc]

Yeah….enjoy your mugging and rats…20 million people living on top of each other…so goooooddddd

[@andyhughes1776]

I lived in Waikiki for 4 years back in the late 1990's / early 2000's. At that time, my salary was $80,000 a year and I was single. Yet, I felt like living very small. I learned that it matters little where you live; if your salary in that area does not cover the lifestyle you want, it's not a paradise for you.

[@gimcrack555]

I live within my means. I can visited anywhere in the world for a onetime high weekly charge. That I can absorb in a course of a year. I live in Indiana and can visited Hawaii. I usually go long distance vacations on the off seasons and stay away from peak seasons. You miss a little bit, but these kind of vacation you can budget in.

[@ljrockstar69]

If $93K is considered low income, why can't we apply for food stamps and get section 8? Low income means we should be able to get these benefits.

[@EvilStepfather]

Wow this video was done well! Excellent content

[@cocoayo3]

Great video! Thank you and God bless🙏🏽😊

[@TheIrishd501]

I love Hawaii and it's been my home for over 30 years, but the cost of living is now just too much and when I retire in a couple of years I'll be heading back to the mainland. I feel sorry for the new generation as there is no way they will be able to afford a home now with prices topping over a million dollars. Mortgage along with daily expenses decrease the quality of life and wages in Hawaii are pitifully low.

[@Maxine5515]

Great video. I subscribed you immediately. I love Living in Hawaii.

[@Tr0nzoid]

That gallon of milk did not used to have to get shipped, but Meadow Gold shut down. Apparently the best way for an average income earning family to live in Hawaii is to be in the military, and stay for a few years without having to pay for housing.

[@lovepeace4065]

Love this place visited from London several times people are wonderful and kind. How sad 😢

[@kennyerrant3570]

Great video. Well put together and I can tell you are trained as a reporter.

[@robgross2265]

Great video Maila!!!

[@nikol3258]

This is a great video good job

[@MTB_Rider_96]

After being stationed in Hawaii for 3.5 years, and vacationing there at least 10 time since I got out and moved back to the Midwest, I still want to live (retire) in Hawaii, probably on the Big Island. But it's the cost of living and the home prices today that stop me. Even if I got Max value for my home in the Midwest, I could only get a house 1/2 the size with 1/5th the yard space. And no way could I afford an ocean view. If I could magically move my house to Hawaii, it would be worth at 2.5 million - or 3.5 with a great ocean view in Kona. It's worth a small fraction of that in the Midwest - and I'm ok with that. I'll just continue vacationing in Hawaii and I plan to spend 30 to 40 days in Hawaii every winter. I found lots of great rental homes and condo's near Hilo and on the Kona side. Aloha!

[@stevecheung4750]

The median price of a single family home on Oahu in February is $917,000.

[@a012345]

You should come to the SF Bay Area. At least in Hawaii, you get to enjoy paradise instead of long commutes and a crappy quality of life.

[@Robert-hr6sh]

Don't forget to add, it comes with its own Volcanic view.

[@WokOverEasy]

@@a012345 same here looked at prices of condos and didn’t bat an eye. Nice thing about living in NYC, every other prices numb you. It’s pretty crappy in some areas but at least parts of outer borough is nice.

[@laurenkuta4998]

The democrats dream.

[@michaelcrabtree7113]

Cost of living is high yes....two income earners are the way to go...but they better make good money. Grow your own food...support local...help from family and friends is always appreciated. You can do random things as well...cut grass for someone, babysit, house sit if they know you, make jewelry in your spare time and sell it. Be a photographer and sell your artwork. You can go fishing /spearfishing if you need food. But be willing to work hard when you decide to live in Hawaii.

[@wello5839]

Two people? Teeth & tongue falls out so they separate your relationship and then what I say depend on self

[@garolstipock]

crazy expenses yet a beautiful view.

[@drcarriemills8772]

Best year of my life...Maui! Worked at the farmers market $10/hr. But got free food a huge plus. Rode a scooter so gas was nothing. Only way to live on Maui is in a car but good luck parking somewhere. I cried for 2yrs when I left. I still miss it everyday. Best food (you learn where the deals are) and warm ocean.

[@thee_madness3887]

this is fairly true being from that island my parents made about 100k A year and it was still hard to get by

[@rebeccagilman2020]

Mahalo for this vlog. I really appreciate your mana’ o. Aloha 🌺

[@tomasrosser3433]

Dose anyone know what aloha means?

[@maloosecat123]

Just came back from there...I feel it's overrated, weather is good but can get humid--the sun is intense, so intense that I found myself wanting to go indoors a lot or put loads of sunscreen on to protect my skin from getting fried. The Coral reefs are dying (bleaching out), an indication of overtourism which explains the brutal traffic, ..Unknown to many, the Volcanoes on the Big Island (nature's nuclear reactors) put out huge plumes of Sulfur Dioxide and other toxic gases unknown to many other islanders who live there... Huge homeless problem, and as an aside, 20 tons of plastic wash ashore from the pacific annually onto Hawaii's shores... also, back-to-back traffic all the time and roads are very bumpy...I also worry about access to healthcare for people on such a small place (Diabetics beware!)...and all-in-all something about being on an Island far from the mainland can make some of us lonely and clustrophobic ... I'm sorry but that's what I feel: there's the image of paradise and the reality of paradise!

[@edrmain]

This is the most accurate video of the cost of living in Hawaii. I just moved to Hawaii, and I do not recommend it due tot the cost of living. As a born and raised New Yawka, and living in different locations around the world; I can say that I know quite a bit about high cost, but this is insane. Simple necessities are close to double. A lot of the housing areas are infested with homeless people, crime and meth-heads. $3.25-$3.85 will be your price range for gas. Car rentals are minimum $105 a day, and you will have to book it out weeks in advance. A majority of the locals are friendly, yes I agree, but I am super disappointed. So far in my experience in Hawaii, I believe the locals probably get a living discount, but if you are from the "mainland", they will try to extort/rip you off. Military, business owners, real estate, and tech professionals that earn 120k a year will be fine. To visit for a week in Waikiki, or rent a house on North Shore is cool for a 7 day holiday. I am staying optimistic that my I can see the rest of the state with different eyes, but I'm close to being sold on the idea that Hawaii is not for me.

[@sheltonhunt562]

Unfortunately this is the reality of living here, so much people move here from a vacation mindset and that its paradise. While doing no homework of what it’s really like living here and that vacationing and living are two completely different things

[@Cheezclown]

Update?

[@reneemoreno8030]

Lived in Hawaii for years...v er y spendy, but so chill. Work in a restaurant to eat once a day. Lots of beach time...its free. You think tp is expensive on mainland? Hawaii has you beat, toothpaste, milk etc. Lived on working farms fresh produce. Buy local and mahalo nui loa! 🏝🌞🌈🌊

[@johnelicker3967]

thanks for sharing

[@ravenone6255]

Money is no object Live by the beach - environment plays key role in shaping creativity

[@michaelc.ateoate979]

I make it through with Safeway bargain bakery rack and $5 Fridays. Almost never buy groceries at full price stuff gets marked down half price early in the morning.. as far as finding a place to live search for a partial work trade or be prepared to live in a shared environment for around a grand a month you can find cheaper but they're usually few and far between you must be creative here especially if you want to save money.

[@inaperfectworld8087]

It`s paradise if you are rich. Everything`s funny when you have a lot of money.

[@jimbob276]

We locals are not all rich but the aloha here is awesome more different than the states

[@_fastlaner]

Bruh you trippin, it’s paradise even if you’re a bum

[@blown8642]

My son and I went to Oahu in 2018, such a beautiful place. One of the first things I noticed on the way from the airport was the amount of homeless people, especially in downtown. I traveled around the island one day and saw so many homeless camps on the beaches. I found the east side of the island to be a little prettier, not so developed.

[@leliapurky9104]

And do you have any idea why these people are homeless? There is an underlining reason. It’s not what you think. Do you want to know why?

[@justlooking7168]

@@leliapurky9104 Because other states give their homeless people a one way ticket to Hawaii?

[@diamondrmp]

The rate of pay sucks also. The facility I work for has a facility in Hawaii, I looked into applying for a posted position which was the same position I hold in California. The wage in Hawaii was $10.00 per hour LESS than what I make in California!!!

[@rhiannonchae]

I’ve never been here but it’s my dream! I’d love to live here!! 🖤🖤

[@leliapurky9104]

Please don’t move to Hawaii. You are robbing the natives of their land. Does that even concern you?

[@rhiannonchae]

@@leliapurky9104 I said I’d love to live here..didn’t say I was going to

[@pcjenkin]

Oahu is beautiful, but expensive and crowded. These days, the economy is very limited; i.e. military, tourism, agriculture being the main economic drivers. I do honestly feel that the Hawaiian Islands are old news, in that a lot of people who lived there in the 80's, 90's, and 2000's have moved back to the mainland. Upcountry Maui was nice, but Lahaina was too damn hot. The heat will bake your brain. Overall, I may return in a few years, once the Covid-19 pandemic eases.

[@marcielynn4886]

I live on the big island on SSI. I own 3 properties now after living off the grid for 25 years.

[@drjojo5551]

Hawaiians have this tradition of three generations living in a ramshackle hut!!

[@rickmarr8784]

For those that are not lucky enough to get those high paying jobs it's a struggle. I don't make anything close to that 80k a year and it has made me think of moving off island for better life.😢

[@seadragon1456]

It is. All cities need people tht can’t afford to buy a home but can contribute to the community by working. This is why multi family homes are a huge priority to growing and sustained cities. Not everyone can afford certain areas… if they did there wouldn’t be a lower class serving them. Your island government doesn’t want you guys to afford to live there. It’s a rich vacation destination and they only need you to serve them. That’s it.

[@Beck-Stein]

This topic if Honolulu affordability is all relative. I live in West Los Angeles and Honolulu about 5-6 months out of the year. I never found the costs to be different. Now, a US News & World report today that the most expensive cities to live are as follows: 1. San Diego 2. Los Angeles 3. Honolulu. So unless you’re from the boondocks it’s all the same coming from Southern California. Even parts of Northern California as SF was just behind Honolulu.

[@asarangan]

Even beautiful sunsets and beaches will get dull after some time, but the cost won't change. I turned down a job in Hawaii, and decided to live in Ohio. With the money I save, I can visit beautiful places every year.

[@BobbyHo2022]

Thats how.

[@bruhinthewild]

I'll tell you how we make it: Keep your income low. Have a few kids. Live on government assistance. Sell drugs... or leave the home you love for a life elsewhere just so you can live well enough.

[@MrBrownnn696]

I still want to go...

[@kabish0603]

San Diego be like "Hawaii hold my beer" lol I think we have you all beat on every aspect with the exception of the food. We are looking to move out there by the end of the year for my work. Everyone has said how expensive Hawaii is, but being in San Diego its really not. Your all housing is a bit more than ours currently, a $800k house here will get you some okay land and about 2,000sqft of a house. Where out there its more in lines to about 1,500sqft on a much smaller property. Our gas is pushing $4.60 little over a dollar more than HI, and our electricty is around .44kwh, which is a bit more than HI from my research. I can't believe 93k though is looked as the poverty line, that is CRAZY! Our biggest hurdle is trying to sell our current home and finding a home on O'ahu... The struggle is so real on that aspect.

[@Plattencautious745]

Still thinking of moving out of this place soon, costs here is like Beverly hills

[@jasonking6892]

Expat left the US lives in Colombia 🇨🇴 US is to expensive and Violent So many affordable safe beautiful places in the world

[@nesiansoulallstars]

Those percentages is a big factor in causing the housing market to raise with it being low which in turn brings outside buyers and in causing it impossible for local residents from ever affording a home because income keeps it out of reach

[@TripleAstyle1]

yup. Houses are at insane prices all over the US, Hawaii was in trouble with that way before the rest of the US though.

[@Ilimar1]

Please provide a final summation and breakout at the end.

[@ilocanablog1647]

I love hawaii

[@draconian45]

I love the way she walks.

[@washboardjim]

Don't forget about the Ice in Missouri. Milk has doubled since 2004

[@DerickZ28]

When you mentioned the negatives of MO you forgot winter. As someone who was born, raised, and lives in MO still, winter is the biggest downside.

[@seadragon1456]

Gosh dammit! That’s why so many people started moving here! I’m in the burbs. Cali, Colorado and Texas has moved in. House start at 600k near me. Insanity!!

[@harveyh3696]

A plus

[@richardordonez7403]

how much walking was done in this video. lol jk awesome vid and yes its hard to live in hawaii, but the lifestyle and opportunity cost outweigh the actual cost of living. it's harder for some to understand this.

[@lilacbirman]

I totally agree! Born and raised and will probably never leave.

[@Robert-hr6sh]

That's what no Magnum said ever.

[@pahanin2480]

Very nice attire. Want to get that one for myself

[@noahbawdy3395]

Working at HMSA helped

[@ThuyPham-lr5dc]

They live on the jagged lava rocks in Ocean View

[@totalkoss6096]

Like she said....."relationships are key"

[@hewonyew]

Damn, this lady looks like a fun ride!

[@kontikinomads6750]

It's disgusting what has happened to Hawaii feel so bad for those poor locals

[@leliapurky9104]

Exactly! No one cares, which is absolutely disgusting! These transplants just move to Hawaii and they don’t even care what is happening to the locals! They just want their stupid “dream home“ and don’t care at all about what the locals are going through. It’s disgusting.

[@swaggydesh4997]

Wow😍

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

I was born and raised in the area in what is now mililani near kipapa elementary school. I married a military woman and we moved to California. I have two brothers who with their families still live in Oahu in waipio acres next to mililani. They were lucky enough that they bought their homes in the 70s. I don’t believe that they paid more than 80,000 dollars back then. I asked my younger brother to send me the classified ads so I can see what two bedroom apartments were renting for. He told me to expect to pay about 2,100 dollars a month. That is insane. My emotional home is Hawaii but I’ll just visit Hawaii once in a while and keep living in California. My wife and I have a 1,600 sq. ft. home and it’s paid for. I don’t think we can afford to buy a decent home in a decent area like wahiawa or mililani for less than 500,000.

[@hillyseattlenarrowstreets6087]

How do you feel about the Hawaiian Homelands group trying to get a Casino in Kapolei at Ka Makana Alii Mall? Their goal was to generate money to help build homes for Hawaiians. Also Casino location is close to Last Rail Station - will people actually use the Rail? It could change tourist direction away from Waikiki and create more jobs elsewhere on the island. Or - too many negative effects with Gambling and Asians? Also too many dreamers who unfortunately lose more than they win? Look at other Islands with Casinos - are Casinos bad for an Island population?

[@thomasreto2997]

Gambling will happen either way. It’s an addictive “substance”. I yes if it goes for a good cause and the potential money laundering aspects are closely watched by many

[@thehallswayy]

I live in Kansas City Missouri and I am close to graduating from college. Missouri has me saying, "$1,500 for a 2-bed room apartment!? that's a robbery!"

[@vernonsheldon-witter1225]

I come originally from Leavenworth KS. Even though I live on the Big Island in a small village north of Hilo, you will pay that much easy. Especially on Oahu.

[@laurenstrasser]

Just watched this video from 2021. How is this different now in 2023? Seems like everything in California has increased exponentially so I assume it's the same there?

[@hothotheat3000]

They inherit a house from a dead relative and have to take in everyone in the damn family, or they were already loaded and living there is a drop in the bucket.

[@mingotankersley6463]

i live in Hawaii and i lived in other countries and different states . You can live anywhere as long as you keep your bills low . i tell you this i spend less here then any other state i lived in . this isn't a place where you are wanting a house or toys like boats and stuff . this isn't a place if you have a bunch of kids since that's a lot of mouths to feed . Its perfect if your single

[@lances25]

Damn! I feel bad for some of the Natives being robbed from their homes. Not one part showing the native communities or anything. Smh

[@leliapurky9104]

I know and it’s disgusting that lots of people who move to Hawaii do not take into account that they are robbing the natives of their land. Smh

[@brianpaige3681]

That's what the white white man and foreign people do come take other people's s*** then going on for years

[@markettradinggenius]

There is a reason why the 'uber rich' don't live there full time. And, if the "rich" ain't living there full time, what makes anyone think that mere mortals are going to do absolutely well living in hawaii, especially on Oahu; unless of course you are willing to downgrade to 2nd or 3rd world country status lifestyle while being in close proximity to massive homelessness and a newly built elevated rail leading to nowhere while taxes are about to skyrocket in EVERY category....lol..

[@thekingdomofmorocco6685]

❤️

[@averagejoe9249]

Way too expensive for me! I'll never be able to visit! Looks nice though

[@keaka560]

Yeah MO has poisonous snakes and tornadoes. But Hawai'i has Hurricanes and 2 legged snakes who come to live here and spike up the properties and rentals

[@stargazer5073]

Cost of living in Southern California is expensive as well.

[@darlenedunlap8066]

5 billion to 5 million and out of 8.2 billion equals ..3.2 billion difference in cases like this we must improve these saving numbers with In seritance

[@Moondoggy1941]

So how much does it cost to eat at a restaurant, cheap or oh my?

[@jimgood1949]

Jim Carson Oh my.

[@chamberofprogress5025]

Me and my girlfriend are looking at places to move to, and Hawaii is on our list. I'm originally from Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC; so if we choose Hawaii, it would be the most significant moving experience that any American could go through. It's the Health and Safety rankings that really sell me on moving to Hawaii, as I am so sick and tired of all the guns and other types of chaos on the mainland. My girlfriend has suggested Florida or Arizona, but overall, Hawaii would be a much better choice.

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

FL, AZ and HI are totally different places. 😂 fl is swamp, as is desert and hi is tropical. HI would be the most expensive and if you have the means, why would you even consider FL & AZ?

[@3rdatmosphere]

It's not worth it anymore. 36 years in Hawaii. I moved to Fiji to afford a real life . Couldn't be happier

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Great video ,many thanks .I am living in the garden island since 1990 ,very expensive island on the planet .But really like it I lived many years in Europe 35 years and I living European style Hawaii to me at home for very long time .I am vegetarian and very happy, I like it good and healthy meal ,many fruits and a good quality bread .No meat ,no cakes, no alcohol, no cigarettes and no any medication. Vegetarian the to be the best .My all family vegetarian, my Dad and mom 100 years living in Estonia 🇪🇪 Tallinn. My two sisters, one living in Sweden 🇸🇪 another in London, England 🇬🇧 and all are the vegetarian.

[@namvet1968]

Interesting comments. I've been to Kauai twice on vacation. Gorgeous island. Do you own your house? May I ask your cost of living? After retiring I thought about moving there. Maybe rent or buy a condo. Thanks.

[@traveler65]

👍🌱🙂

[@kinialohaguy2199]

Mahalo for your wikiō. We live on the east side of the Big Island Hawai'i in the Puna district, and like everything on these islands it's location, location, location. Every island has its own personality. The price of paradise depends on what your lifestyle yearns and what you can afford. E Aloha Nui.

[@pcdude2394]

I am already paying 9% state income tax here I. Silicon Valley and property tax is 1.25% with my home value at 1.6 mil. Hawaii tax is more friendly than California.

[@giovannisangiacomo9135]

as someone from jersey this isnt that bad

[@richardwalley2862]

Hawaii people that live there purchased homes in the 50s-70s are still around. Anything after the 90s they moved out to the mainland. I’m about 10 years there will be no true locals left

[@infinitytricks3716]

Howzit, used to live all over Oahu. Too crowded to live all year now, but need a vacation rental or to purchase in Waikiki. Specific to Diamond Head Vista, Canal House, Ode Hacienda all on Aina Kea Way/St. late 2021/2022 works after COVID settles down. Presently in DC.

[@brenlh6484]

I was there from 2017-2020 besides being expensive in Oahu it's dangerous especially if you're white. But you know how Hawaiians like Spam they really like it and Sushi of course. But Spam bout $4.00 each. When I first went shopping at Foodland eggs $4.99 a dozen that's crazy. Imagine how much they are in 2023.

[@DonYang73]

Sounds pretty livable to me. worse in my country for that same standard. Would love to retire in Hawaii if not for family ties

[@brianpaige3681]

You must be white or Chinese

[@TheVINMAN531]

IT'S MORE THAN 3 DOLLARS A GALLON IN NEW YORK

[@geraldmantanona6116]

What’s crazy is how Expensive living in Kalihi is considering it’s a a crime ridden neighborhood where my relatives live. 😐

[@medionlvr]

0:13 Saipan

[@efolson]

This is almost entirely about living in Honolulu, so the title is slightly misleading.

[@BigDogRidgeback]

My answer would not be Hawaii it would be Florida inbthe USA but by choice if i had millions my choice of living would be Europe.

[@gloriayurkovskiy5682]

As someone who lived in Hawaii, I wish the gas was $3/gallon, it’s actually closer to $5 😅

[@TheClassicQ]

Nice place to visit, never want to live there.

[@kristinesharp6286]

There is plenty of room. Build for the locals. It’s a crime. You have 550,273 housing units. There are 450,000 households. But there are 550,000 housing units. Supply and demand don’t make sense with the prices. You need infrastructure and modest neighborhoods built inland for the locals. It’s a shame the sugar cane workers had a better quality of life. Stop building for the retired to relocate there. Families in Hawaii raise their children knowing that they will leave the island when adults.

[@medionlvr]

1:21 there is no such thing as poisonous snakes in Missouri or anywhere else. you are talking about venomous snakes of which Hawaii has two. The yellow-bellied sea snake and the brown tree snake. However, the brown tree snake is only mildly venomous compared to its sea counterpart.

[@lanebashford3982]

I've been to HI probably 40 or more trips, both biz and pleasure. IMO it's grossly overpriced but I can see how the prices have increased over the decades for everything. Of course it costs more to have all kinds of goods and food shipped from the mainland. I can understand that real estate is higher than other US states on average. Anyone planning a ten day to two week vacation in the Islands better know that it's expensive all around. The rental cars are higher priced, the touristy sites cost more to enter. I think for us the most costly thing was eating in restaurants. Hotel breakfasts are delish but will set you back $12-20. You can eat cheaper at Mickey D's for breakfast. We also find many of the ramen or noodle shops were more than adequate for a quick lunch. We don't have to eat fancy. But you do want to enjoy foods you might not get at home so you tend to indulge. We didn't mind paying big bucks to eat at Keo's, our favorite Oaha restaurant. Gas prices are higher, all local taxes are higher, too. It's still a fun place (or it used to be pre-covid) and you can't beat the tradewinds and a Mai Tai and some soft Hapa tunes getting you into the Aloha spirit.

[@lanebashford3982]

Yes, already heard Keo's is closed for good. I know Keo finally retired but I hear his Mekong II is still open. I can't live without his Evil Jungle Prince even though I make it myself now.

[@stevecheung4750]

The State legislature just passed a new law that anyone earning over $200,000 will be taxed at 16% -- even higher than CA.