Living in the natural paradise of Hawaii with its clear blue waters and warm weather is a dream for many people. Apart from the natural beauty, a wide range of recreational activities, and a low crime rate are other perks of living in Hawaii.
However, it is important to understand that moving to Hawaii is much different than moving to a new city on the mainland. Not only is the move expensive, the cost of living on the islands is much higher too.
In this article, we will break down the factors you need to know before moving to Hawaii. Hopefully, this will answer the question- how much does it cost to move to Hawaii?
Housing Costs
In reality, Hawaii has the highest house prices in the entire US. Per one study, the average price of a house in the state is $615,300. It is expected that the strong demand and the lack of inventory for sale will keep pushing up the prices for sale.
Moreover, around 5% of the housing units operate as Short-term Vacation Rentals (STRs), catering to tourists. In the tight housing market, this has an effect on the rents and home prices. The concentration of STRs is higher in tourist centers like Waikiki and West Maui. However, the exact impact of STRs on the housing market is difficult to estimate.
The affordability gap between buying and renting is also high in the island state. One report suggests that in Honolulu, the average three-bedroom rent can consume around 66 percent of average local wages. On the other hand, single-family home ownership can consume as much as 140 percent.
On the plus side, Hawaii has the lowest property tax rates in the country. The average tax rate is 0.27% of the home’s value across the state. In addition, home buyers are also eligible for mortgage interest deductions which are up to 20% of their paid mortgage interest in a year. Besides, if the home is your primary residence, you can get a $48,000 tax exemption on the total value.
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There are some cities in Hawaii where you can buy homes at relatively lower prices. However, in most cities, the prices have touched seven figures.
| City | Average Home Value |
| Hawi | $1,029,042 |
| Holualoa | $1,044,504 |
| Honolulu | $1,307,198 |
| Kailua | $1,534,068 |
| Waialua | $1,036,168 |
| Mililani | $1,034,846 |
| Papaaloa | $492,621 |
Transportation Costs
Time to address the most important question- how much does it cost to move to Hawaii?
When it comes to moving to Hawaii, the logistics are tricker than in other states. You cannot load your household items in a vehicle and drive to Hawaii.
For shipping personal belongings, the costs will depend on the volume and weight of your belongings. The cost of moving a single-room apartment will be less than moving a three-bedroom apartment. Beyond that, the origin of the shipment and the accessibility of the final destination will also impact the prices.
The most popular and affordable way to move to the state is by ship or ocean freight. For a small studio apartment, the average cost can be between $1,000 to $1,200. For larger four-bedroom houses, the charge for a full container load (FCL) shipment can be as high as $15,000.
The costs will vary depending on the services you pick. These can be packing, crating, and insurance. In general, door-to-door moving services are the most expensive option.
If you are willing to do the packing on your own, a more affordable option is to pick moving containers. The moving company will deliver an empty container to your home. Once you pack your items, it will deliver them to the destination in Hawaii, where you can do the unloading.
Obviously, the fastest option for moving to Hawaii is by air, but it is also the most expensive. To move a one-bedroom apartment, the air shipping charges can be between $10,000 to $12,000.
The average cost for shipping a car to Hawaii is between $2,000 to $2,500. Keep in mind that Hawaii is one of the most expensive states to own a car. The primary reason for that is the high gas prices in the state. The average gas price in Hawaii is around $5.03, which is much higher than the national average.
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To calculate how much it is to move to Hawaii, you will need to consider the airfare prices from your location to Hawaii. Listed below are some sample airfares to Hawaii.
| From | To | Charges |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | Kahului Airport (OGG) | $376 |
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) | Kona International Airport (KOA) | $316 |
| San Francisco International Airport | Kona International Airport (KOA) | $237 |
| Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | Kona International Airport (KOA) or Kahului Airport (OGG) | $440 |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | Lihue Airport (LIH) | $485 |
Cost of Living in Hawaii
When you consider that Honolulu has one of the highest cost of living index in the US- it is 84.0% above the national average- it is obvious that Hawaii is a trophy destination.
To start with, let us consider the groceries. While there are abundant food options in Hawaii, the cost of shipping them to the island keeps the prices high. The average cost of utilities is around 40% higher than in the US mainland and healthcare costs are 18% higher.
The average cost of breakfast and lunch on the island is between $8 to $16 per person. If you are planning for a gourmet meal, the costs can be between $25 to $55 per person. Each drink will cost between $4 to $9.
Here is a quick comparison of food expenses between Hawaii and the mainland.
| State | Average annual food cost for a family of 4 |
| Hawaii | $14,042 |
| Washington | $10,525 |
| New York | $11,180 |
| Florida | $10,385 |
| Minnesota | $9,936 |
| Louisiana | $9,748 |
| Kansas | $9,341 |
| Michigan | $9,058 |
Employment and Income Factors
At present, the average annual salary in Hawaii is $310,589. Depending on the income level, the income tax rate will vary between 1.40% and 11%.
Considering the inflated cost of living, you will need a higher salary to manage the expenses. Obviously, the job opportunities in Hawaii are lesser than on the mainland. Moreover, the pay in Hawaii for jobs is around 7% less than their mainland counterparts. However, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy systems are some of the growing industries on the islands.
Monthly salaries for medical professionals can be around $7,500 to $9000 per month. For HR professionals and programmers, the salaries can be between $4,000 to $5.600. Accountants and auditors can earn between $5,000 to $6,500 per month.
Other than that, there are self-employment opportunities like independent contractors or an entrepreneur. The average salaries for the self-employed are between $33,000 and $42,000 a year in Hawaii.
Education and Childcare Costs
It has been estimated that the annual cost of infant care in Hawaii is around $13,000. For a 4-year-old, the monthly childcare costs will be around $745. Quite simply, for low-wage workers in Hawaii with more than one child, childcare is out of reach.
The average tuition fee in a private school in Hawaii is $14,436 per year. For undergraduate out-of-state students, the average tuition fee is $18,654. For graduate schools, the annual tuition fees are $18,114. The cost of living on the college campus is $15,359.
Note, the University of Hawaiʻi offers scholarship opportunities for students. These scholarships are both need-based and merit-based.
The chart below mentions the fee structure of some private schools in Hawaii.
| Chaminade University Montessori Lab School | $1,100. |
| Christ the King School | $3,800 |
| Olelo Christian Academy | $7,000 |
| Maui Adventist School | $7,600 |
| Our Savior Lutheran School | $9,000 |
| Ho’ala School | $11,270 |
Moving Services and Miscellaneous Costs
Now that you know how expensive it is to move to Hawaii, you need to pick the right moving company.
Since moving to Hawaii is different from mainland moves, you need to select a moving company that is experienced in Hawaii moves. It goes without saying, moving to Hawaii will cost you more than a standard cross-country move.
The process involves multiple steps starting with packing your items in a container and moving it to the seaport. Then it is loaded on the ship which reaches a port in Hawaii. The container is then unloaded and moved into a warehouse. Finally, it is picked up and moved to your new home by a truck.
Whether you pick a full-service moving company or a shipping container service, make sure that the company has the necessary licenses required for a move to Hawaii. The charges will vary depending on the type of service you pick. It is best to compare quotes from at least 3 moving companies before you pick one.
Conclusion
The answer to the question of how much does it cost to move to Hawaii depends on multiple factors. So, it is hard to arrive at a ballpark estimate without knowing the details of the move.
Before you move to Hawaii, make sure to pick the island that suits you best. Also, learning about the local culture and language will help you to adjust to the new environment.
It is also crucial to plan a budget for your move by considering the expenses in the new location. Since the food, housing, transportation costs, and utility bills will be higher, you need to make sure that you can afford to live in the Aloha state.
The incredible natural beauty and the great weather of Hawaii can be tempting and make many families and individuals plan a move to the state. But make sure to do the right amount of research before planning a move and explore the job market related to your profession.
In short, it is necessary to have a realistic understanding of the cost to move to Hawaii before making a move.
