Some Questions for those who live in Hawaii

[rgf207]

My company has offered me a position in Hawaii. I am considering making the transfer but I wanted to get some more info on this. I have never been there before but I know its the most expensive place in the U.S to live. Anyone know what I can expect to be facing there with living costs. I will be working around the Pearl Harbor area.

Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[rgf207]

just a little bump

 

[monkeyboy]

avoid little idols you find

I almost lost my brother to a surfing accident and the maid to a giant SPIDER!!!!!

 

[Honu]

My DH gets job offers from Hawaii all the time. Unfortunately, the work I do basically doesn't exist in Hawaii. Taking something comparable position involves almost a 6 figure pay cut. I do love Hawaii, but not that much.

If your employer is willing to give you a cost of living increase and you're on your own or your significant other doesn't work, I would do it. It's not easy to find affordable housing on Oahu, but it's possible. My sister lives in great house on Ewa Beach on a military salary. So it's possible.

And whatever you decide, please heed Monkey Boy's advice. Monkey Boy rules!

 

[DawnCt1]

We vacation in Hawaii, which is completely different from actually living there of course. There is a good book available called, "So you want to live in Hawaii". It discusses life on the different islands, cultural differences, cost of living, etc. Not enough can be said about the cultural differences. It is the USA but it is also Hawaii. Everyone is a minority in Hawaii but there are certain expectations of new comers. Also, I do remember the book pointing out that it is cheaper to rent than to buy in Hawaii. Food costs more but then, there is always Costco. I find the prices there are pretty much in line with the mainland at Costco. Milk in a regular grocery store however can be $6 a gallon. Fast food is about the same, local plate lunches are very reasonable.

 

[DISUNC]

avoid little idols you find

I almost lost my brother to a surfing accident and the maid to a giant SPIDER!!!!!

Congrats on you marriage!!!!

 

[mamajoan]

We lived in Hawaii.. a long time ago.. DS who just turned 19 was born at Tripler. I worked in Honolulu and Aiea, dh was stationed in Kanehoe. We lived in Kaaawa, Kanehoe and on base. I loved living in Hawaii and if we had the chance to do it again I would go in a heart beat.
Go with an open mind and open heart. Realize Hawaii is not the Mainland, things are done at a much slower pace, embrace cultural differences...things like Baby Luaus, no shoes (slippers) in the house, talking pigeon, Aloha Friday, bento, plate lunch

Housing.. is smaller and much more costly. Traffic can get congested in Pearl, Honolulu and Waikiki. Sorry I do not have any current references for cost. Health care was very good while we were there.

Have you ever been to Hawaii? If not.. go for a visit, check it out... act like you live there... don't do the touristy things... go to regular spots, stores, and local food places... remember that it is an island... many get ''rock fever'' and need to fly off the island for vacations to other destinations.

Best wishes!

 

[ChristmasElf]

At least you will be on Oahu where there is a lot of choices for shopping! Oahu has Costco (in fact I believe there are 3 there now) and the prices aren't that much higher than here on the mainland.
There is also SuperWalmart (but alas No SuperTarget )
Orange Juice is high at the regular supermarkets.

 

[LuvTigger]

Okay, Hawaii person here! I've lived in Hawaii my entire life. It is expensive when you compare it to other areas of the U.S., but I guess since I've lived here my whole life, it doesn't really phase me much (except when I go to a grocery store somewhere else and see how low the prices are!)

Will you be receiving any type of housing or cost of living allowance? The median price of a home in Hawaii is about $600,000. You could get a townhome or a condo for $300-$400K. I'm a renter, and our 3/2 duplex is $1600/month, and that's considered low. I consider myself lucky.

I went to the grocery store yesterday, and I paid $2.28 for a carton of milk (the one right below a 1/2 gallon -- can't remember if it's a liter?), 50 cents for a can of tomato sauce (on sale), $2.89 for a dozen eggs, and romaine lettuce was $1.49/pound.

Pearl Harbor is central to a lot of things -- would you be living in the area as well? There are lots of places to choose from that would be convenient to Pearl Harbor. House? Condo? Salt Lake is very close to Pearl Harbor, and there are a LOT of condos in the area.

Although things are expensive here, the people (for the most part) are generally very friendly. Tax is low, we don't have a true "sales" tax, but I won't get into that right now -- basically, when you buy stuff, you'll get charged about a 4.167% tax. I think movies are cheaper here, about $8. And the beauty! You could go to the beach or go hiking every weekend. The weather is generally very good since we don't experience extremely cold temperatures. You could fly to a neighbor island for the weekend.

There actually is NOT a Super Walmart -- they're considering building one, but it hasn't happened yet (at least not on Oahu). We have several Costco's, including a Costco gas station -- which reminds me, the average cost of gas right now is about $3.25 on Oahu, and we have a couple of Sam's Clubs (my club of choice). We do NOT have an IHOP or Olive Garden, but we have lots of other great eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.

Anyhow, this is just an overview. Feel free to ask more questions or to PM me if you have more specific things you'd like to know about.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The other thing to consider...

I have a friend who one day wants to return to Hawaii. She has four kids. They are very enterprenurial--so residing their won't be an issue. One things she does consider--the expense of flying "home" to see family.

 

[sharbear]

There is a thread about a military family moving to Hawaii on the budget board. I think that the concensus was that public schools were not the best and to consider private schools.

Good luck in any decision that you make.

 

[rgf207]

Thank you all for your replies. You have all been very helpful.

LuvTigger. I sent you a PM

 

[phorsenuf]

Here's a link to a salary calculator. It'll compare what you are making now to what you would need there. It's pretty cool.

http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html?type=to