Do you want to move to Hawaii? If yes, check out this post to get
evidence-based details on the cost of living in Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, boasting a rich
history, long-lived customs/values, ancient traditions, friendly people, cultural
attractions, picturesque beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, providing everyone
with unique and memorable experiences.
Living in this tropical paradise is one of the best ways to enjoy the quality of life
and standard of living. Hawaii is the best to live for people who love the water,
island vacations, and relishing the year-round pleasant weather.
However, living in Hawaii is not for everyone considering the higher costs. Today’s
article will give you evidence-based information to ensure you make an informed
decision about moving to or living in Hawaii. Read on!
Is Living in Hawaii Expensive?
A growing body of research evidence shows that comfortable living in Hawaii
requires a person to have an average yearly salary of $122,000. However, the
standard of living varies from person to person because this depends on their
comfort levels.
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, people, on average, earns
$16.60 per hour. So, if you have a family with two children, you need to make an
average of $17.70 per hour for a living wage.
PayScale reports that the average salary in Honolulu is between $60,000 and
$66,000. However, Hawaii has the highest income tax rates in the United States,
including the 11% for the top tier.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in the U.S
between 2020 and 2021 was $994 weekly. Another research report shows that the
average wage in this tropical paradise is between $30,000 and $34,000 per year for
people working in the customer service departments.
However, traveling nurses can make an average of $95,000 per year. Remember,
living costs depend on various factors, such as renting a house/apartment,
transportation, insurance, food/groceries, taxes, car shipping, childcare, and
utilities. Let us discuss different factors that determine the cost of living in Hawaii.
Renting in Hawaii
Renting in Hawaii is slightly more expensive than in the mainland United States.
However, this depends on the location of the Hawaiian Islands. For instance, expect
to pay an average price of $1,000 to $1,600 per month when renting a studio
apartment in Oahu. Remember, this does not include the cost of utilities, which is
somewhere between $150 and $200 for a single individual.
In addition, the average cost of a one-bedroom house or apartment is between
$1,500 and $2,000 per month. If you are looking for a two-bedroom apartment,
expect to pay between $1,700 and $1800 per month. A luxury one-bedroom has
rental costs starting from $3,000 per month.
We recommend looking for accommodation outside the capital city. For instance,
you can consider Hilo, one of the most picturesque islands in Hawaii, with 50%-
60% lower rents. Besides, Hilo provides a much more laid-back and relaxing
atmosphere than Honolulu, the capital city with a vibrant environment full of the
hustle and bustle.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Hawaii are not much different from the mainland United States. The
U.S Energy Information Administration reports that the average energy bill is
between $150 and $170 per month.
On the other hand, the national average is between $110 and $120. So, this is $40
to $60 more expensive. The good news is that Hawaii received 8% more sunshine
than the mainland United States, providing people with an opportunity to install a
solar energy system to save money on energy bills.
Groceries and Food
Hawaii is slightly more expensive than the mainland U.S regarding grocery
shipping. The primary reason behind this is that companies transport/ship
products from the mainland. According to the Economic Research & Information
Center, Missouri, grocery shopping in Hawaii, particularly Honolulu, is costly.
For instance, the average price of a gallon of milk in Oahu is between $8 and $10.
However, you can purchase this item at Costco for $5. Likewise, carrots’ price is $3
to $4, and broccoli is $3 to $5 per pound.
While the government encourages residents to purchase local food, research
shows that the cost of locally grown food is expensive. For instance, Hawaii-grown
mangoes have an average price between $6 and $8 per pound. You can buy four
rolls of toilet paper for $6.
Moreover, having lunch or dinner with your family in a restaurant or café will add
up the cost quickly. For example, the average price of breakfast in this tropical
paradise is between $8 and $12, lunch is $10 to $15, and dinner is $15 to $30.
However, the best thing about eating out in Hawaii is purchasing a plate lunch or
dinner that usually includes mac salad, rice, and teriyaki beef. So, this way, you can
save money on eating out lunch or dinner at a restaurant. You can even split the
plate with your spouse, friend, or colleague.
Car Shipping Hawaii Costs
Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii is a complex business. Shipping companies
transport thousands of cars to the different Hawaiian Islands every year. Because
the transportation involves crossing the ocean, service providers charge more than
the average national price.
The average cost of shipping your car to Hawaii is between $1,300 and $1,500,
depending on your location, the quality of service, safety of your vehicle, open carrier/closed carrier, port-to-port or door-to-door service, and delivery time.
For example, if you want to move from California, expect to pay somewhere
between $1,500 and $1,900. The price includes all the fees from California to
Hawaii. On the other hand, the average cost of shipping a car from New York is
between $3,500 and $4,500.
You can rely on Coastal Auto Shipping service for quality, reliable, and affordable
transportation. We will give you peace of mind by giving you special rates and
discounts.
Final Words
Hawaii, the tropical paradise, is the dream destination for people to enjoy the year-round pleasant weather conditions, low-crime rates, quality education, beautiful scenery, world-class healthcare, vibrant or laidback recreation, cultural
opportunities, food diversity, and outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, scuba
diving, swimming, wildlife exploration, hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, etc.
There is something for everyone in Hawaii. If you are looking for a reputable and
experienced car shipping company, you can rely on us. We have a team of
professionals with extensive knowledge, legal information, and years of experience
to ensure your car reaches Hawaii securely, quickly, and affordably. Call us today
for more details.